Musk Ox

scientific name

Ovibos moschatus wardi

size

Shoulder Height. 4½'
Weight. adult bull ~900 lbs. female 25-33% smaller

characteristics

Adaptations/Coloration. hair long, shaggy, & brown
Legs. short sturdy broad hooves
Skull. hollow horns 6" bony plate from outer horn through skull
Summer Coat. prevents penetration by flies & insects
Winter Undercoat. "qiviut" texture of cashmere excellent insulator shed late May

behavior

Bulls. occasionally band together or roam singly scent glands produce strong odor (mainly due to urine smell) during rutting
Defense. form tight circle adults face outward calves in center effective against wolves ineffective against guns (herd makes no attempt to escape)
Herd. few-50 members (larger in winter) lead bull females calves

reproduction/lifespan

Mature. 3 yrs rut late summer/early fall fight for cows
Gestation. 8-8½ mos.
Calf. 1 20 lbs. late Apr-May (late as Aug in warmer climate)
Newborn. mother licks dry immediately joins herd nibbles grass 1st week weaned 9 mos.

diet

Herbivore
Wild. bushes, grass, & willow branches (favorite) need 1/6 of fodder that cattle require
Zoo. oats, timothy hay, alfalfa hay, zoo pellets (compressed vegetables made locally) for male pellets for female

habitat

prefer areas of low snowfall Alaska Tundra, Canada, & Greenland

status

not listed remaining population estimated 10000 protected breeding farms in Alaska & Norway produce yarn for woolen goods

oregon zoo exhibit

Alaska Tundra