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Science & Nature • Mammals

Muskox

The muskox (*Ovibos moschatus*) is a large Arctic hoofed mammal in the family Bovidae.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The muskox (*Ovibos moschatus*) is a large Arctic hoofed mammal in the family Bovidae. It is known for its long shaggy coat, heavy build, and the strong scent males produce during the breeding season. Muskoxen live in cold tundra regions of North America and Greenland, with introduced populations in parts of northern Eurasia and Alaska.

Taxonomy and naming

The muskox is *Ovibos moschatus*, a hoofed mammal in the family Bovidae and subfamily Caprinae, making it more closely related to sheep and goats than to cattle. Its English name refers to the strong smell males produce during the breeding season.

Physical characteristics

Muskoxen have a stocky body, short legs, large head, and long curved horns. Their dense outer coat and insulating underfur help them survive Arctic winters, and the underfur is prized as qiviut.

Range and habitat

Muskoxen are native to the Arctic tundra, especially in northern Canada and Greenland, and also occur in Alaska. Introduced populations exist in parts of Scandinavia and Siberia.

Behaviour and diet

Muskoxen are herbivores that browse on grasses, sedges, leaves, and other tundra vegetation. They are social and often travel in groups, which provides protection in open Arctic landscapes.

Conservation

The species is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Population estimates vary by source, but the species is generally considered widespread and not currently at high risk of extinction.

Key facts

  • Muskoxen are Arctic mammals in the bovine family Bovidae, not true oxen.
  • They have a thick double coat adapted to extreme cold, including fine underfur called qiviut.
  • The species is native to Arctic North America and Greenland, with introduced populations in Eurasia and Alaska.
  • Males emit a strong musky odor during the rut, giving the animal its name.
  • Muskoxen are social herbivores that live in herds and are listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.
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Canadian context

Muskoxen are an important Arctic species for Canada, especially in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories, where they are part of northern ecosystems and Indigenous knowledge traditions.

Frequently asked questions

What is a muskox?
A muskox is a large Arctic hoofed mammal, *Ovibos moschatus*, in the family Bovidae.
Is a muskox really an ox?
No. Despite the name, muskoxen are more closely related to sheep and goats than to true oxen or cattle.
Why is it called a muskox?
The name comes from the strong musky smell males produce during the breeding season.
Where do muskoxen live?
They live mainly in Arctic tundra regions of northern Canada, Greenland, and Alaska, with introduced populations elsewhere.
What do muskoxen eat?
They are herbivores that feed on tundra plants such as grasses, sedges, mosses, and willows.
What is qiviut?
Qiviut is the soft insulating underfur of the muskox, valued for its warmth and fine texture.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muskox
    Supports: Scientific name, family, native Arctic range, thick coat, and breeding-season odour.
  2. PBS Nature — https://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/blog/musk-ox-fact-sheet/
    Supports: Family placement, IUCN Least Concern status, and approximate population estimate.
  3. U.S. National Park Service — https://www.nps.gov/bela/learn/nature/muskox.htm
    Supports: Species name, weight range, Arctic distribution, and Ice Age history.
  4. University of Alaska Fairbanks — https://www.uaf.edu/lars/animals/muskox.php
    Supports: Bovidae placement, caprinae relationship, and Arctic adaptations.
  5. Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center — https://www.alaskawildlife.org/project/muskox/
    Supports: Qiviut, thick coat, and adaptation to cold environments.
  6. iNaturalist — https://inaturalist.org/guide_taxa/1012120
    Supports: Inuktitut name, Canadian Arctic and Greenland distribution, and introduced populations.