Characteristics of the musk ox

The musk ox is more sheep than ox
The musk ox is a characteristic animal with the Latin generic name ‘ovibus’, which means sheep ox. It is thus more closely related to the sheep than the ox. It can grow to a height of 140 cm (4½ feet), a length of 2 metres (6½ feet) and weigh up to 400 kg (880 lbs).

A musk ox up close

The musk ox has two coats – the inner fine wool layer and the outer 60 cm (24 inch) long guard hairs, which form the basis for the musk ox’s Greenlandic name ‘Umimmak’, ‘the long-bearded one’. Every summer the musk ox sheds its outer layer of wool, and it is from this wool that some of the world’s finest and softest yarn is made.

Keep your distance from the musk ox herd
Musk oxen have a herd instinct and they protect each other when threatened. If you keep your distance, the herd will practically ignore you. However, you have got too close if a group of animals forms a circle and a bull steps forward.

If the bull steps even closer, paws the ground and snorts, there is a risk that it may attack. Depending on the situation, the critical distance between you and the animals will be about 50-100 metres (160-330 feet). If you have got too close, retire calmly without making any noise or sudden movements.

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