The musk ox, an animal that survived the grimmest of climates, like the Ice Age, poses as an inspiration to show resilience, grit, and courage in the face of the toughest of situations, just as it did many years ago. Rather than migrating or fleeing, the musk ox chose to stay and outlast the Ice Age with sheer willpower. Their bodies adapted greatly to their surroundings. They showed the extremities of their endurance and fought to stay alive.

Ovibos moschatus, Musk Ox

One of the biggest reasons why the musk ox can be seen as gritty, strong-willed, and courageous is because of their ability to survive the harshest of climates. The Ice Age brings a direct correlation between climate and this mammal. While it is almost common knowledge that the Ice Age was able to permanently end the woolly mammoth, the musk ox was the largest mammal to survive that time period. This is why the musk ox is viewed as the strongest of adapters.

A Musk Ox with its Young One

The musk ox can be seen as a symbol of victory. The musk ox was victorious over the Ice Age. The musk ox was given one of the harshest of climates to deal with, but it remains. The mammal inspires many to be victorious and triumph over whatever is thrown their way. Like their fur, the musk ox is a warm animal, and even more, a herd of musk oxen is warmer than a singular musk ox. It reminds people to be warm towards each other. Provide warmth for those around you, just as the musk ox does.

The Musk Ox in the Orma J. Smith Museum of Natural History