Meeting the native beast
The musk ox was here long before man. A descendant of the great mammoth, this ancient beast reigned over this territory for thousands of years.
Photo: Roger Brendhagen
Man wiped out the musk ox in Norway when the ice cap withdrew – modern man was unfamiliar with the animal until pioneers captured specimens in eastern Greenland and reintroduced them to the Norwegian fauna.
The first animals arrived in Dovrefjell by train in 1932.
The meeting between man and musk ox is always one of excitement mixed with terror. Sometimes it can be spotted from the car or train window.
By joining one of the organised musk ox safaris from Dombås, Hjerkinn or Kongsvoll you are almost guaranteed to meet the beast in its true element. If you surprise it, it will sometimes react by stamping its hoofs and huffing and puffing. This woollen lump of beef requires respect.
Do not step too close, but enjoy the sight.
Changed
1/20/2011