Safety Rules for Musk Ox Encounters

 
 
 

Musk oxen are peaceful, and usually keep their distance from humans, and the places we dwell. But, the musk ox is a wandering animal, and can be encountered in most parts of Dovrefjell. It is however rare for it to travel too far beyond the areas it prefers, and it’s not often that hikers come across them by chance.

The musk ox doesn’t behave quite like similar animals, and can be dangerous if we stray too close and it feels threatened. Since it is not unheard of to encounter musk oxen out on the trail, it is a good idea to take safety precautions - both for us, and the animals.

 
 

Keep at least 200m distance to the animals

Musk oxen are very fast and strong, and don’t like it when we get too close. Therefore you should always make sure you keep a good distance to them when you see or hear them. If the musk ox blocks your path, you must circle around it, or turn back where you came from.

Even if the musk ox is behaving calmly, and may seem like it’s ignoring you, you must never approach it or go past without maintaining the minimum recommended distance.

 

Keep eyes and ears open

The musk ox can be hard to spot when it’s laying down to rest, or stood in the brush. It can also lay behind ridge lines just out of sight. You should therefore make sure to always keep eyes and ears open when hiking in Dovrefjell, especially in the more remote areas and valleys.

The musk ox will often make sounds if it thinks you’re getting too close. It gives warnings in the form of grunts or sharp exhalations. If a musk ox gives you one of these warnings, you must get away quickly.

Musk oxen can be encountered around structures

While the musk oxen have their own habitats, and prefer to avoid humans, it can on rare occasions be encountered around cabins or other structures in the mountains. Be cautious even in areas where there are signs of human life, and keep your ears peeled.

 

If you suddenly encounter musk oxen at close range - remain calm and go back where you came

The musk ox is mostly stoic, until it feels threatened. It is therefore important that you remain calm and carefully put distance between yourself and the animal if you should accidentally encounter one up close. Make sure you also keep your eyes open for other animals, since the musk ox is a herd animal, and rarely travels alone.

Do not take pictures! Focus on getting to safety!

Fortunately, close encounters with musk oxen is something that only happens very rarely.

 
 

 Know the signals!

The musk ox would rather not have to defend itself, but that does not mean it scares easily. If you encounter musk oxen exhibiting any of the behavior described below, you have to get away immediately and hastily.

  • “GRUNT!” - If the musk ox gives you a verbal warning, you should take heed and get away immediately, turn back from whence you came before you encountered the musk ox.

  • If a herd stops grazing and lines up in a defensive line against you, you have to get away immediately!

  • If the musk ox throws its head, stamps its hooves, or headbutts trees, rocks or each other, it is agitated, and you have to get away quickly!