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/life span

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/range

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