Featured Species: Muskox
The muskox
is thought to have crossed the Bering Strait to Canada 90 000 years ago
lifts and drops its massive head to break the snow crust when it becomes too hard to paw through
engages in elaborate head-butting clashes to determine dominance and possession of a herd
has been under Canadian government protection since 1917
As human activity increases in arctic Canada, scientists are watching its effect on muskoxen. Biologists are monitoring wild populations of muskoxen through aerial surveys, tagging and radio-tracking programs, and studies of range conditions. The government has declared Polar Bear Pass, on Bathurst Island, a national wildlife area. Muskox defense strategies have always been ineffective against people. Disturbed by low-flying aircraft or by humans on foot, muskoxen first stand their ground in a defensive ring and only when pressed closely do they stampede away from danger.
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