Sabrina and Junior Hunt were taken by surprise when what they initially mistook for a large pile of wood turned out to be a rare sight in Labrador West. While boating to their cabin on Shabougamou Lake, approximately 30 kilometers from Labrador City, the couple spotted a muskox. Sabrina described the moment to CBC News, mentioning that at first, it appeared big and black, but as they approached, it started moving.

During a video recorded by Junior Hunt, the muskox could be seen strolling along the shoreline as the couple sailed by. They managed to get a closer look at the muskox from a distance of about 30 feet. Sabrina marveled at the sight, describing how the muskox moved leisurely, with its fur swaying like a magical grass skirt.

While muskox are typically found in Arctic tundra, sightings in Labrador have been infrequent over the years. The Hunts speculated that the muskox might have migrated from herds in northern Quebec, as they have been observed in the Nain area. The couple’s report of the sighting surprised the Department of Forestry, Agriculture, and Lands, who commended them for providing clear pictures and video evidence.

The department confirmed in an email to CBC News that the muskox sighting was rare and beyond the animal’s usual range. To witness the muskox’s presence in Labrador West, watch the video above.