Ovibos moschatus
Range
They are found in Alaska, the Yukon, across northern Canada and onto Greenland.Habitat
They live on the northern tundra. They winter on high ground where wind blows the snow off and they can get to the plants underneath. In the summer, they move to lower valleys where they can browse on willows.Body Traits
They have a very thick wool coat that covers every inch of their body, except their lips and the openings of their nose. They even have hair protecting their feet. This allows them to survive in -40° temperatures. They have curved horns. Males can weigh up to 900 pounds.Habits
They move slowly to save energy and take turns breaking trails in the snow. They huddle together at night to share body heat. They use their powerful chins to pound through crusty snow to reach plants below.Diet
They eat shrubs, grass and plants.Predators
The arctic wolf may prey on musk ox calves.Reproduction
Male musk ox, called bulls, will compete for females in late summer. This is called the rut. Males charge each other head to head and then swing their huge heads from side to side. They even sometimes will stab (gore) another male with their horns. The strongest becomes the leader of the group of females and will get to breed. Females are pregnant for 8-9 months (gestation) and have 1 calf. They may not have a calf every year if there isn’t a lot of food. Babies are born with very thick, warm coats.Lifespan and/or Conservation Status
That can live for up to 25 years. They are listed as Lower Risk – least concern.Related Links
Coloring Page Labeling Page Download Hi-Res B&W Diagram Download Hi-Res In-Habitat Poster Download Hi-Res Color Diagram
Classification
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Subphylum: Vertebrata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Artiodactyla
- Family: Bovidae
- Subfamily: Caprinae
- Genus: Ovibos
- Species: Ovibos moschatus