Yak facts for kids
The yak is a large, furry, cow-like animal. It lives in the cold Himalayan mountains of south Central Asia. You can find yaks in places like Tibet in China, Kashmir in Pakistan, and even as far north as Mongolia. In a region called Gilgit-Baltistan, the yak is an important local animal.
Most yaks are domestic, which means people raise them on farms. These yaks help humans in many ways. There are also wild yaks, but very few are left. They are in danger of extinction, with possibly only about 100 wild yaks remaining. Wild male yaks can stand about 2 to 2.2 meters (6.5 to 7.2 feet) tall at the shoulder. Females are smaller, around 1 meter (3.3 feet) tall. Domestic yaks are generally shorter, between 1 and 2 meters (3.3 to 6.5 feet) for both males and females. All yaks have long, thick hair that keeps them warm in their chilly homes. Wild yaks are usually black or brown, but some domestic yaks can be white. All types of yaks have horns.
How Yaks Live
Yaks are herd animals. This means they live together in groups. They are also herbivores, which means they only eat plants and do not eat meat. Yaks can live for a long time, with some reaching up to 25 years old.
Images for kids
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A domestic yak at Yamdrok Lake.
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Yak rider near Tsomgo Lake, Mustang, Nepal (3700 m)
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Ten-day-old yak.
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Yak racing
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Yaks in Manali, Himachal Pradesh, India saddled for riding
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Train of pack yaks at Litang monastery in Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan, China
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Yaks plowing fields in Tibet
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Domestic yak in Nepal
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Yaks in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan
