The Musk Ox, named for the musky odor emitted by the males of this species, once ranged over much of Asia and North America. Now this prehistoric left-over mainly inhabits regions of the arctic within Canada and Greenland. Historically, and before being hunted to extirpation, Alaska also supported populations of Musk Ox. Although a member of the Bovidae family, the Musk Ox is not a true "ox" but are more closely related to sheep. This gregarious (herd-dwelling) species grazes on grasses, reeds, sedges, and other arctic ground plants. Musk Ox, when threatened, will form a circle around the herd's young. With their stocky build and massive horns as a primary ring of defense, there are few predators capable of preying on this species.