Nunavut Muskox

Muskox  (Ovibos moschatus) have inhabited the Canadian Arctic for thousands of years. A survivor of the last ice age, these magnificent animals are perfectly adapted to survive the winter conditions of Canada’s North.

The Inuit refer to them as the “Umingmak”, meaning bearded one. They have been an integral part of the Inuit lifestyle for centuries as one animal can provide a great amount of meat, a warm versatile hide and soft insulating fur.

The muskox have endured great fluctuation in their numbers over the last few hundred years, mainly due to predators, harsh winters and over harvesting by early explorers. However, today their population numbers are plentiful and thriving, allowing local residents to once again rely on these valuable creatures.