Yak, yak, the black wild ox of Thibet, sometimes called the grunting ox. The yak is native in the high altitudes of Central Asia. Nature has draped this animal with long hair reaching from the sides almost to the ground, resembling in this respect its relative, the musk ox of Arctic latitudes. Naturalists have not failed to point out that cold weather, due to altitude, has done for the yak what similar conditions, due to latitude, have done for the musk ox. The yak is about four feet high. It carries a pair of fine ox-like horns. It has long been domesticated by the Thibetans among whom it is the principal beast of burden. The yak furnishes excellent beef, milk, and butter, also. Its long, silky hair is woven into clothing. Its back is slightly humped, like the American bison. The yak's tail was an emblem of authority among the Orientals. The yak is stubborn, but it is more serviceable than the horse or camel for snowy, mountain work. In conducting military operation in that region, the British have found it convenient to employ the yak not only in packing baggage, but as a riding animal. See CAMEL; REINDEER.