Alaskan Musk Ox

coldclimb

We paid a visit to the local Musk Ox farm with a friend from Illinois the other day. Our friend Andrew was up for a couple weeks and packing in as much of Alaska as he could, so seeing the Musk Ox was a treat for him, even though these ones aren't free and wild. Have a look!



Here's a big one... just sitting there... chewing... They're not very exciting. :rofl




The Musk Ox "Qiviut" is a fine fiber that grows close against the skin and sheds off periodically, providing for horrendously expensive yarn which can be made into horrendously expensive garments by the Alaskan natives. There's a group of natives that buys qiviut from farms around Alaska and keeps these places running, then turns around and sells hand knitted garments made from the stuff. Probably a pretty good racket since the stuff sells for NINETY DOLLARS for 30 grams of plain yarn. :huh:huh:huh




A few grazing animals in front of an Alaskan backdrop.




Eventually this guy stood up and gave us a bit of movement before sitting back down again.




Hope you enjoyed a peek at Alaskan animals. I think I might make a visit during the winter and try to get some nice photos then.

heatherfeather

Have you ever heard them during mating season? It is the coolest thing- the males roar similar to what lions sound like. We were at the zoo one day and kept on hearing the roaring and wondered what in the world that was until we arrived at the muskox and figured it out. It was really neat!

Nice photos!

thapamd

A little raggedy lookin' but beautiful in their own right. Thanks for sharing!

Photosbychuck

Nice Series


Take Care,
Chuck