Muskox Ovibos moschatus

Despite looking like cattle, the Muskox is more related to sheep and to goats. It is generally classed as a goat-antelope, related to the Goral. It is native to Greenland and the North American Arctic. The name comes from its apppearance (ox) and the strong, musky odour of the rutting males. They can reach 1.5 metres (nearly 5 feet) high at the shoulder.

Both male and female have the curled horns. Shown above is the (usually larger) nominal subspecies, also called the Alaskan, Canadian (northwestern) or Barren-ground Muskox. Populations have suffered from overhunting and the Alaskan stock was virtually wiped out and re-introduced.

Shown immediately above and below is the northeastern Canadian and Greenland subspecies, also called the White-faced, although the area of white on the face is not always significant or visible.

When threatened, Muskox form a line or ring with larger males outermost and other adults forming a barrier to protect young. They will gore or trample wolves.