Muskox: a two-minute wildlife lesson

Horns and Trunks · day 3 of 7

Five facts

1. During the mating season, male muskoxen give off a strong, musky smell. That smell is how the muskox got its name.
2. When a herd is threatened, the adults face outward in a ring around the calves.
3. A muskox can sprint at up to 60 km/h.
4. Rival bulls step back about 20 m, drop their heads and smash into each other, again and again, until one quits.
5. Muskox wool is called qiviut. People treasure it because it is soft, long and very warm.

The quiz

1. Where does the muskox get its name?

• The strong smell of males in the mating season (correct)
• Its musical grunts
• The smell of the moss it eats
• Its habit of living in caves

Males give off a strong, musky smell in the mating season, and that gave the animal its name.

2. How do adults protect calves from threats?

• They scatter in all directions
• They form a ring facing outward (correct)
• They bury the calves in snow
• They climb onto rocks

Adults face outward in a ring around the calves.

3. What is a muskox's top speed?

• 6 km/h
• 16 km/h
• 60 km/h (correct)
• 160 km/h

A muskox can run as fast as 60 km/h.

4. How far do fighting bulls back up before charging?

• About 20 m (correct)
• About 2 m
• About 200 m
• About 1 m

Rival bulls step back about 20 m, then charge.

5. What is muskox wool called?

• Mohair
• Cashmere
• Angora
• Qiviut (correct)

The wool is called qiviut.

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