Alaska Trivia: Musk Ox

Alaska Trivia: Musk Ox

Alaska Trivia: Musk Ox
herd of wild musk ox near Nome Alaska

Herd of wild Musk Ox near Nome Alaska – Photo credit: Chris McLennan

Alaskan natives call this animal “Oomingmak,” which means “The Bearded One.” The Musk Ox is Alaska’s oldest living animal. This musty-smelling animal once roamed the earth alongside cavemen, woolly mammoths, and saber tooth tigers. Today, you can find it roaming in 1930’s era farms located in Alaska’s Matanuska Valley. Not only are they adorable and cuddly but they produce an ultra-fine qiviut fiber that’s eight times warmer than wool and softer than cashmere. The natives hand knit beautiful garments that you may see in other areas of the state.

These beautiful animals were saved from extinction by a nonprofit organization and can be seen at the Muskox Farm in Palmer Alaska. Their darling newborn calves are so cute, they will melt your heart and you’ll want to take them home.


SARA RANEY, Senior Travel Advisor

Travel Concierge, Sara Raney, is an Alaska and Antarctica Specialist. Having traveled to over 100 countries herself, Sara has the knowledge and experience to make travel plans and special arrangements for her clients (things you wouldn’t even think of) so that you can relax and enjoy a wonderful, memorable, hassle-free vacation!

Join Sara on one of her escorted cruises to
Alaska, Panama, Canada/New England, and more!

Sara is the author of the Amazon best-seller: “Senior Travel Guide: How to Survive Squatty Potties and More!” (available on Amazon and on major cruise lines).