Cool Facts
Incredible Thick Coat. Muskoxen have two layers of fur that trap warm air and keep them toasty even when temperatures plummet far below freezing. Their wool is so dense and water-resistant that Arctic blizzards can't get through it.
Stinky During Love Season. Male muskoxen release a strong, musky smell when it's time to find mates in the fall. Interestingly, the females actually like this smell, which helps them recognize potential partners across the snowy landscape.
Named 'The Bearded One'. In the Inuktitut language spoken by Arctic Indigenous peoples, the muskox is called umingmak, which means 'the bearded one.' This name comes from the long hair that flows from their chin and body.
Hoofed Arctic Wanderer. Muskoxen are bovines, related to cattle and sheep, with special hoofed feet that grip icy ground. These sturdy animals roam the frozen tundra searching for grasses and moss to eat.
Built for Extreme Cold. Muskoxen evolved over thousands of years to survive in one of Earth's harshest environments. Their entire body, from their short stocky legs to their thick body, is perfectly shaped for Arctic life.