Rush 2 ExploreCamping, Hiking, Climbing and Survival Equipment and Accessories

Guard Alaska Bear

Musk Oxen

One look at herd of Musk Oxen, and you wonder if you’ve traveled back in time to the Pleistocene, the age of Saber-toothed Tigers and Woolly Mammoths. Reportedly, these venerable beasts have existed since the last ice age, 600,000 years ago. With their distinctive curved horns and shaggy long hair, this “Bison of the Tundra†roams the arctic river valleys of North America, Greenland, and the northern countries of Europe, grazing on grass, reeds, and sedges, using its cloven feet to dig beneath the snow to reach lichen and nutritious ground plants when necessary.

Musk Oxen, who are not oxen, and do not have a musk gland, most likely got its names from the heavy scent that males give off when excited. They are a member of the Bovidae family, and are closely related to sheep and goats, although they best resemble buffalo and bison. Like cattle, they have a four-chambered stomach and live in herds of 10-20 animals. Sometimes several herds may join, forming groups of up to a hundred. Herds will include bulls, cows, and calves until mid-August when the bulls are in full rut. At this time, bulls begin to exhibit heightened aggressiveness, making impressive displays of themselves. Pawing at the ground, walking stiff-legged, and swinging their massive horns, the bulls compete for dominance.

At a formidable 440 to 880 pounds, bulls stand 5 feet at the shoulder and are 8 feet long. Challenges made at mating season are no light affair. Facing off, challengers back up about a hundred feet apart before charging, head on, at speeds approaching 35-45 miles per hour. Bellowing, the bulls collide. Their massive horn bosses, which can grow up to four inches thick and a foot wide, protect their skulls, and challengers may repeat the activity a dozen times before one bull submits and is run off. The winning bull will be the only male allowed in the herd until mating season is over.

At two years old, cows are sexually mature. The gestation period lasts 8 ½ months, and single calves, weighing 18-25 pounds, arrive mid-April to early May. With soft curly hair, calves resemble their parents, and may begin eating grass as soon as a week after birth, although they will continue nursing for a year or more.

The arctic is a desperate region, but Musk Oxen are well-equipped. In winter they grow thick undercoats of soft brown fleece and shaggy overcoats. Guard hairs extend past their bulky shoulders and short legs, almost dragging on the ground. This wool is finer than cashmere, and eight times warmer for its weight than sheep’s wool. It can protect the animal at temperatures down to 100 degrees Fahrenheit below zero. Musk oxen shed their undercoats in May, leaving behind them “The Golden Fleece of the Arcticâ€â€”great woolly powder puffs anywhere between 4 and 16 pounds. Traditionally, Inuits have used this fiber, which they call qivuit, in making garments.

Adult Musk Oxen protect their offspring in a way quite unlike any other animal. When approached by a predator, calves quickly gather in a tight circle, while the older members of the herd encompass them, facing outward. If necessary adults may charge the threat; but usually they remain stationary, using their muscular shoulders and horns to block the provocateur from the more vulnerable members of the herd. This course of action is effective against arctic wolves and the occasional polar bear, but not against the firepower of man. In the early 1900s Musk Oxen came close to extinction and were completely wiped out by hunters in Alaska. However, thanks to a worldwide hunting ban, populations have recovered. They were reintroduced into Alaska in 1930, where they continue to thrive. The world population is now estimated at 65,000-85,000. Their biggest threat now may be the climate shift occuring in the north. Where temperatures drop significantly a hard crust of ice may form over the ground which is impossible for the Musk Oxen to break through. Without food, herds may starve.

This appears to be the new challenge of preservation teams devoted to caribou and Musk Oxen, the final surviving relic of a past age.

About the Author

About the Author
Emma Snow has always adored wild animals. Emma provides content for Wildlife Animals http://www.wildlife-animals.com and Riding Stable http://www.riding-stable.com.

US Auctions Australian Auctions Austrian Auctions Belgian Auctions Canadian Auctions French Auctions German Auctions Irish Auctions Italian Auctions Dutch Auctions Spanish Auctions Swiss Auctions GB Auctions

Best Match Items Ending First Newly-Listed Items First Price + Shipping: Lowest First Price + Shipping: Highest First

Guard Alaska Bear Spray 9 oz Pepper Spray Bear Repellent $31.45 Time Remaining: 15d 23h 50m Buy It Now for only: $31.45

Powerful Defense Guard Alaska 9 oz Bear Pepper Spray+FREE BONUS $49.89 Time Remaining: 23h 25m

Guard Alaska Bear Spray Animal Repellent $28.95 Time Remaining: 12d 4h 31m Buy It Now for only: $28.95

Guard Alaska Bear Repellant Pepper Spray LEGAL IN NY $34.95 Time Remaining: 11d 3m Buy It Now for only: $34.95

Guard Alaska Bear Spray 9oz with holster New Hottest Brand out there $32.00 Time Remaining: 3d 10h 5m Buy It Now for only: $32.00

Guard Alaska Bear Spray $31.00 Time Remaining: 24d 1h 4m Buy It Now for only: $31.00

Lot of 12 Guard Alaska Bear Spray Hot Pepper Defense $264.00 Time Remaining: 24d 15h 41m Buy It Now for only: $264.00

Guard Alaska Bear Spray Hot Pepper Spray Defense $35.83 Time Remaining: 26d 19h 30m Buy It Now for only: $35.83

BR 9 2 Pack Guard Alaska Bear Repellent Hot Pepper Spray 20Ft New Auth Dealer $76.95 Time Remaining: 1d 1h 25m Buy It Now for only: $84.95

Powerful Defense Guard Alaska 9 oz Bear Spray Lot of 2 $89.99 Time Remaining: 4d 1h 27m Buy It Now for only: $89.99

Powerful Defense Guard Alaska 9 oz Bear Spray+BONUS $49.95 Time Remaining: 4d 3h 7m Buy It Now for only: $49.95

Lot of 3 Guard Alaska Bear Spray Hot Pepper Defense $87.00 Time Remaining: 24d 15h 41m Buy It Now for only: $87.00

Guard Alaska Bear Repellent Ultra Hot Pepper Spray 9 oz $39.99 Time Remaining: 29d 21h 7m Buy It Now for only: $39.99

Guard Alaska Bear Pepper Spray 9 oz Bear Repellent w FREE Nylon Belt Holster $47.97 Time Remaining: 14d 20h 39m Buy It Now for only: $47.97

Guard Alaska Bear Spray Powerful Ultra Hot Pepper Spray Repellent 9 Oz $39.95 Time Remaining: 11d 15h 1m Buy It Now for only: $39.95

SUPER SALE Guard Alaska Bear Spray HOT bear pepper spraybear repellent 9 oz $34.97 Time Remaining: 5d 23h 8m

Guard Alaska Bear Spray $34.95 Time Remaining: 22h 24m Buy It Now for only: $34.95

Lot of 2 Guard Alaska Bear Repellant Pepper Spray Bear Spray Hot Legal in NY $67.00 Time Remaining: 11d 45m Buy It Now for only: $67.00

Lot of 6 Guard Alaska Bear Spray Hot Pepper Defense $156.00 Time Remaining: 24d 15h 41m Buy It Now for only: $156.00

Bear Pepper Spray Guard Alaska Bear Spray Hot Legal in NY 2pk $67.00 Time Remaining: 15d 33m Buy It Now for only: $67.00

Guard Alaska Bear Spray Hot Pepper Defense Free Holster $44.99 Time Remaining: 14d 9h 16m Buy It Now for only: $44.99

Bear Repellent Pepper Spray Guard Alaska w FREE Nylon Hook Loop Holster 9 oz $49.95 Time Remaining: 15d 19h 12m Buy It Now for only: $49.95

GUARD ALASKA BEAR PEPPER SPRAY W HOLSTER $45.50 Time Remaining: 4d 10h 55m Buy It Now for only: $51.95

Bear Repellant Pepper Spray Guard Alaska with FREE Nylon Hook and Loop Holster $49.95 Time Remaining: 1d 20h 35m Buy It Now for only: $49.95

BR 9 Guard Alaska Bear Repellent Hot Pepper Spray 20Ft New Authorized Dealer $45.95 Time Remaining: 6d 12m Buy It Now for only: $45.95

EPA Guard Alaska ULTRA HOT Pepper Bear Deterrent Repellent Spray FREE HOLSTER $48.98 Time Remaining: 1d 16h 4m Buy It Now for only: $48.98

ANIMAL REPELLER GUARD ALASKA BEAR PEPPER SPRAY $46.95 Time Remaining: 28d 23h 46m Buy It Now for only: $46.95

GUARD ALASKA 9 oz Bear Spray Animal Repellent $34.95 Time Remaining: 16d 13h 13m Buy It Now for only: $34.95

Animal Repeller - Guard Alaska Bearspray $49.3 The Sierra Club wants the Forest Service to require everyone who enters a national forest in grizzly bear country to carry it. Recently, Heidi Godwin, spokesperson of the Bear Pepper Spray was quoted saying, "The proper use of bear pepper spray will reduce human injuries caused by bears, reduce the number of grizzly bears killed in self defense, and help promote the recovery and survival of the grizzly bear." Great news for true outdoor enthusiasts. Now you can protect yourself against possible bear attacks, with safe, humane Bear Mace Spray . This powerful Magnum Fogger sprays up to 30 feet. Both sizes empty in approximately 5.4 seconds. Bear Mace Spray contains 260 grams and measures 8.75" x 2" NOTE: Pepper Spray Restrictions WE DO NOT ship pepper sprays to the following states:Hawaii, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Wisconsinand outside of the United States. Bear sprays are legal in all states. Please note that there are certain legal restrictions that vary per state and city. Please check your local laws before purchasing a pepper spray.

Alaska State Troopers Alaska Teddy Bear by CafePress $18 Alaska State Police Trooper Alaska Teddy Bear Our plush bear is a cutie in his own message-bearing t-shirt and festive red and blue ribbons. Here's a great gift for Valentine's Day, baby showers, birthdays, get well-wishes, a pair of wedding bears, or any reason you dream up. Put a smile on someone's

Alaska Bear Vintage Men's Performance Jacket by CafePress $45 Alaska Bear vintage retro design for Alaska lovers. Go Alaska with old Alaska Bear and Northern Lights artwork. Celebrate Alaska. Alaska rules. Vintage Men's Performance Jacket Exercise your right to look great -- and feel great -- while on the go. Lightweight and easy to get around in, this workout-friendly jacket is perfect for running to the store or running a 5K. A warm fleece inner-lining also lets you run in every season.

Alaska Bear Vintage Women's Polo by CafePress $40 Alaska Bear vintage retro design for Alaska lovers. Go Alaska with old Alaska Bear and Northern Lights artwork. Celebrate Alaska. Alaska rules. Vintage Women's Polo When the dress is casual, this classic woman's polo shirt is just the ticket. Made of 100% cotton 6.8 oz. combed ring-spun pique cotton, to be specific, it's both comfortable and easy to take care of. A four-button design adds style, so whether you're g

Alaska Bear Vintage Men's Polo by CafePress $40 Alaska Bear vintage retro design for Alaska lovers. Go Alaska with old Alaska Bear and Northern Lights artwork. Celebrate Alaska. Alaska rules. Vintage Men's Polo Comfort never looked so good -- or wore so well. Made of durable 100% combed cotton 6.8 oz, it breathes well so you39;ll stay cool on even the hottest afternoon. This classic two-button men39;s polo shirt is ideal for that casual get-together or jus

Alaska $13.29 Alaska

Jungle Bear Journey to Alaska $27.87 A jungle does not have to be filled with trees and animals for it to be filled with adventure. Wherever you may be can be like a jungle....your playground, your school or even your own room. This bedtime story connects fantasy with the reality of a childs daily life and learning experiences. My hope is to spark a childs interest to imagine, dream, learn and read. A fur seal who likes marbles, a stuffed bear that flies a biplane and a moose named Jack are some of the characters that flow through the dream of Jody, a little girl who likes to learn about faraway places. Geographical and fun facts are woven into this adventure which concludes with a special surprise for Jody. Follow Jody as she travels as an observer through her dream, where the Jungle Bear lives.... Author: Sukowski, Monica Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 40 Publication Date: 2010/12/27 Language: English Dimensions: 8.50 x 8.50 x 0.10 inches

Dutch Harbor Alaska Deadliest Catch Alaska Teddy Bear by CafePress $18 Voyage to the Bering Sea. Follow the brave captains and crew of crab-fishing vessels as they struggle against the treacherous weather conditions for the deadliest catch - Alaskan crab fishing. Alaska Teddy Bear Our plush bear is a cutie in his own message-bearing t-shirt and festive red and blue ribbons. Here's a great gift for Valentine's Day, baby showers, birthdays, get well-wishes, a pair of wedding bears, or any reason you dream up. Put a smile on someone's

Spirit Bear Alaska Large Mug by CafePress $18 Our Wildlife Fantasy collection shares the spirit of the night. Enjoy the magic of the Northern Lights paired with moose, bear, or wolf. These photos were taken in Alaska, and then blended on the comp Alaska Large Mug Super-size your favorite beverage or just size-up to avoid spills with our hefty, 15 oz. ceramic Large Mug. Large easy-grip handle. When you need more, mug it up. Measures 4.5 tall, 3.25 diameter. Dishwasher and microwave safe.

Welcome to Alaska Grizzly Bear Animals Sweatshirt by CafePress $39.5 Welcome to Alaska, now RUN LIKE HELL from an unfriendly Grizzly Bear that you stumbled upon. Funny graphic design showing a Grizzly standing upright ready to attack, with Welcome To Alaska sign below Animals Sweatshirt Tee, TShirt, Shirt Warm up in our stylin' Hanes Heavyweight 90/10 cotton/polyester sweatshirt. Thick but not bulky, for maximum comfort and durability whether you're working out or hanging out. 10.1 oz. patented PrintPro174; fabric in a 90/10 cotton/polyester

Sourdough Buck Alaska Teddy Bear by CafePress $18 Our plush bear is a cutie in his own message-bearing t-shirt and festive red and blue ribbons. Here's a great gift for Valentine's Day, baby showers, birthdays, get well-wishes, a pair of wedding bears, or any reason you dream up. Put a smile on someone's Alaska Teddy Bear Our plush bear is a cutie in his own message-bearing t-shirt and festive red and blue ribbons. Here's a great gift for Valentine's Day, baby showers, birthdays, get well-wishes, a pair of wedding bears, or any reason you dream up. Put a smile on someone's

Alaska Bear Tales $11.21 This book is in New - Excellent condition

Bear Viewing in Alaska $9.71 This book is in New - Excellent condition

More Alaska Bear Tales $8 This book is in Like New condition

USS Bear (1874) $98.77 High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles The Bear was a dual steampowered and sailing ship built with six inch (15.2 cm) thick sides which had a long life in various coldwater and icefilled environs. She was a forerunner of modern icebreakers and had an exceptionally diverse service life. According to an official website, the Bear is described as probably the most famous ship in the history of the United States] Coast Guard. Built in Scotland in 1874, she was originally commissioned for sealing, In the mid1880s, she took part in the search for the Greely Expedition. Captained by the legendary Michael Healy of the United States Revenue Cutter Service (later part of the US Coast Guard), she worked the 20,000 mile coastline of Alaska. She later assisted with relief efforts after the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake. Author: Surhone, Lambert M./ Tennoe, Mariam T./ Henssonow, Susan F. Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 160 Publication Date: 2010/08/31 Language: English Dimensions: 6.00 x 9.02 x 0.37 inches

Alaska Weddings $7.99 "Discover the grandeur of Alaska's wildlife through three suspense-filled romantic adventures that bring joy back to members of the Holland family. Aven finds that his Coast Guard duties are distracted when love and danger combine. Robyn tries to keep her family's sled dog kennel going with the advice of a local vet. Cheryl, widowed matriarch of the family, is surprised to find the hope of love awakened by a wildlife scientist."

National Guard Wife Funny Teddy Bear by CafePress $18 Proud National Guard Wife T Shirts, National Guard Wife Shirts, National Guard Wife Mugs, National Guard Wife Cap, National Guard Wife Buttons, magnets, tote bags, mousepad, National Guard Wives Funny Teddy Bear Our plush bear is a cutie in his own message-bearing t-shirt and festive red and blue ribbons. Here's a great gift for Valentine's Day, baby showers, birthdays, get well-wishes, a pair of wedding bears, or any reason you dream up. Put a smile on someone's

Alaska River crossing in Cold Bay Alaska Coast Guard