Musk Oxen

Musk oxen are large animals that live in the cold Arctic. They have long shaggy hair that almost reaches the ground. Both males and females have curved horns on their heads. Musk oxen are not really oxen, but they are related to sheep and goats.

Warm Fur

Musk oxen have two layers of fur to stay warm. The outer layer is long and helps block the wind. Underneath is a soft wool called qiviut, which is warmer than sheep's wool. This wool keeps them cozy even when it is 40 degrees below zero outside.

A map showing where musk oxen live in the cold north.
A map showing where musk oxen live in the cold north. (Worldmap_northern.svg: Gringer (talk) Muskox.jpg: Masae derivative work: Retired electrician / Wikimedia Commons)

Safety in Circles

When danger comes, musk oxen form a circle. The adults face outward with their horns ready. The babies, called calves, stay safe in the middle. This circle protects them from wolves and other animals. It is a very clever way to work together.

Fun Facts

  • Musk ox wool is eight times warmer than sheep's wool.
  • A musk ox can weigh up to 800 pounds.
  • They get their name from a strong smell males make in the summer.

Did You Know?

Musk oxen have been around since the Ice Age and once lived alongside woolly mammoths.