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#16 - The Muskox
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The magnificent Muskox, Ovibos moschatus, is a brave beast residing
on the tundra regions of Canada's high arctic.
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Muskox
The Muskox is characterized by its impressive horns which curve downward and then up. Both males and females have horns, with the female's being a bit smaller. Specially developed hooves help the Muskox walk over deep snow rather than sinking into it.
   

The Muskox has a very heavy, shaggy coat. This is extremely important to help ensure survival in very severe arctic weather conditions. The coat has a warming wooly layer near the skin and a hairy layer on top.

A very sharp sense of smell helps the Muskox find vegetation under the snow.

When threatened by predators such as wolves, Muskoxen form a protective circle around their young.

Muskox
   
Muskox
The Muskox is actually a lot smaller than it appears measuring 3-5 ft/.9-1.5 m at the shoulder. However, it weighs 500-900 lb/225-405 kg. Despite the fact it looks like a bison, it is actually more closely related to sheep and goats.
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« #15 - The Caribou
Watch for more in this series.
 
Dereila Nature Inn Home > Woodlands Pathway > Mammals Wildzone > Walking in the Wild > The Muskox
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