The yak is a sturdy, cow-like animal
that lives throughout the Himalayan
region where the world’s highest
mountains are found. Extremely thick,
long fur that hangs down lower than
the belly keeps them warm in the thin,
cold air.
Yaks
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In some countries
in the Himalayas,
yak racing is a
popular form of
entertainment at
traditional
festivals.
Yaks are
herbivores and
graze on
vegetation such
as grasses
growing in the
mountains.
Yaks are found
throughout the
Himalayan region of
south Central Asia,
the Tibetan Plateau,
and as far north as
Mongolia and Russia.
Yaks are mammals
and related to other
animals with cloven
hooves, including
cattle.
Wild yaks are
among the largest
cow-like animals.
They can be up to
7.2 feet (2.2 m) tall
at the shoulder and
weigh 2,200 pounds
(998 kg).
