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Musk ox photo provided courtesy of U.S. Fish and Wildlife-- Anchorage
Office. Facts in Brief |
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| Scientific Name | Ovibos Moschatus |
| Scientific Classification | Bovidae: Bovids (Wolves) |
| Habitat | Northern Canada and Greenland |
| Diet | Lichen, grass, mosses, leaves |
| Links | Tundra animals General Info |
| Other Facts | In
prehistoric times it was found in North Europe , Siberia, and North America. It was largely exterminated in these places. Has now been reintroduced to Norway and Alaska. It is the only Species in its genus. The Musk Ox equipped for harsh Arctic conditions. It has a dense under coat that cold or water can't penetrate. It has an outer coat of long coarse hair that almost reaches the ground and protects it from snow and rain. It's broad hoofs stop it from sinking in the soft snow. Facial glands in it emit a strong musk odor in rutting season. In mating season young ones are driven out by the old. Mating ones form small bachelor groups or remain alone. The female gives birth to one baby after a period of eight months. When threatened they form a circle facing outward with horns lowered and the young in the middle. Musk Ox will dig through snow for
food. |