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Critters on the Trail

Oxen | Mules | Coyote | Snake | Bison | Bear | Horse

Oxen were chosen to pull the wagons over mules and horses for lots of reasons. Here are some ups and downs of that choice.

 

Ups:

  • Stronger
  • Needed less water
  • Less expensive
  • Not easily spooked
  • Eat prairie grass
  • Less likely to be stolen
  • Could eat them if you needed to
Downs:
  • Slow
  • Not very smart

Oxen

Click on the names to hear the sounds.

Mules

Coyote

Bear

Bison

Snake

Horse