Musk Ox Farm in Palmer, Alaska: Not Your Usual Tourist Stop

What's A Musk Ox? At first glance, you will probably think that a Musk Ox is in the buffalo family, however they are actually the relative of goats and sheep. Similar to cattle, it has four stomachs, and grazes on grass and leaves. The Musk Ox (Ovibos moschatus), is an ancient animal from the arctic, and as well as living in Alaska, they can also be found in Greenland, Canada and Siberia. A male adult is almost 6 feet tall, and can weight 1000 pounds. The Musk Ox has been around for 600,000 years, but were nearly extinct in Alaska by the end of the 18th century, sadly 10,000 animals were hunted and killed every year. By the 1860's this ancient animal had disappeared from Alaska, but in the 1930's herds from Greenland were reintroduced to the state. This animal was on the verge of extinction now has populations of 150,000 across the globe.

Musk Ox, (males and females alike), have curved horns in order to protect themselves from their biggest predator, the wolf. When we took a tour of the Musk Ox Farm, we learned that this unique animal has a very different way of protecting their young. When wolves attack, the adults in the herd form a circle around the babies, their horns facing outward toward their enemy, the babies safe within the circle they have formed.

The Musk Ox Farm

We have taken guests on this tour a few times. The last time was in December a few years ago, and we had to call and arrange for a special tour, since they are not open for regular tours from October to April. It was well worth the effort. The summer rates are reasonable, $7 for seniors, $8 for adults, $5 for children, and kids under the age of 5 are free.