Physical Characteristics
-
Musk oxen have barrel-shaped bodies with short legs.
-
Their entire bodies are covered with fur except for the small area between the nostrils and lips.
-
Both sexes have cream-colored horns with black tips that grow together at the center of the head, drop down along side of head, then curve up to form sharp hooks.
-
Older adult muskoxen sometimes develop a large mane of fur that sits on the shoulders. Subspecies include barren ground muskoxen, which are native to Canada and were native to Alaska until extirpation in the late 1800’s.
-
White-faced muskoxen are native to Greenland and have been introduced to many locations.
-
The other species tends to be slightly smaller than but distinction between the two is based mostly on location of the animal.
-
Between the two species they can mix distinguish with long, shaggy coat.
-
This portion of the skin can grow long enough to brush the ground on older muskoxen.
-
The back is marked by a lighter colored patch of brown or cream in color.
Head to body Length : 200 – 245 cm ( 6.6 – 8.1 feet )
Tail Length : 10 -14 cm ( 4.5 – 6.0 )
Shoulder Height : 125 -135 cm ( 4.1 – 4.5 feet ) 
Horn Length : 60 cm ( 23.6 in )
Weight Length : 180 – 380kg ( 396 – 836 lbs )
RANGE : Russia, Norway, Siberia , Canada , Sweden , and Greenland
HABITAT : Arctic tundra
DIET : Grasses ,leafy plants, sedges, mosses, shrubs, herbs and vegetation
STATUS : originally this species declined due to over hunting. However recently it
recovered due hunting regulations.
Reason for status : over hunting and habitat destruction
Gestation : 8.5 months
Lifespan : 15 years in wild / 24 years in captivity