Pronghorn are a unique and amazing species. They live only in southern Saskatchewan prairies to northern Mexico deserts. They are also one of my favorite animals. We talked before about some of their unique features, but I’ve only seen them from a distance here in Colorado and miss them. So it is time to revisit some wonderful experiences shared with pronghorn during my time in Yellowstone.
On a rainy day in June, I stopped for something else, but did a double-take seeing “mommy and me” on the hill right above the road. Young are typically born in late May and June and this little one is probably three to four weeks old. Mostly I’m envious of their gorgeous eyelashes. Come on along to explore more . . .
Pronghorn are the fastest sustained-speed animals in the world. They can run 60mph for minutes at a time, and have been clocked running 45mph for over two miles without stopping. At birth they weigh about eight pounds and will grow to just over/under 100 pounds. Most of that weight is in their thick bodies with extremely large heart and lungs needed for distance running. Their legs are slender allowing them to move quickly. They also have specially padded hooves that act as shock absorbers for rough and rocky terrain.
Pronghorn typically inhabit low, rolling, expansive prairies and sagebrush flats along mountains. They are one of the only animals that eat sagebrush year round as a primary part of their diet. I met a number of hunters in Montana–hunting to fill their freezers–that never hunt pronghorn. The reason? Too much pre-seasoning–with sage.
Although often called Pronghorn Antelope, they are not related to antelope at all. Although locally called speed goats, they are not related to goats either. They are the only surviving member of the Antilocapridae family worldwide. The closest relatives are giraffes and okapi, and distant relatives at that.
About half of pronghorn first pregnancies result in a single fawn. The other half and most all subsequent pregnancies are twins. The fawns lie hidden in grass at first with mom returning every 1.5 hours to nurse. By two weeks old the fawn can outrun virtually every predator and goes with mom to join the herd. Through spring and summer herds consist of females (does) and fawns (all juveniles), with males (bucks) in smaller bachelor groups.
Pronghorn have huge eyes, as big as an elephants, and see as we do when using 8 power magnification binoculars. In addition, due to their eyes being set back on their head, they can see 320 degrees around! This wide field of binocular vision helps them detect predators at great distance and their speed almost assures them of a long life, which in the wild is 10 to 15 years.
Pronghorn live in herds which increases protection against predators. If one member detects danger, it flares its white rump patch signaling others to flee. That flare is amazing with every hair standing straight out making it look larger and can be seen for miles. I was about 20 feet away and obviously presented no threat.
Pronghorn are built for speed, not for jumping. Jumping is almost impossible for them which makes fencing an issue across their range. In the Greater Yellowstone Area many conservation groups work with farmers and land owners installing pronghorn-friendly fencing such as using round wire rather than barbed and making wider space at fence’s bottom allowing them to crawl under, which they do successfully. Of course the current development of wildlife corridors which include wildlife under- and over-passes across highways, will help all wildlife.
Both male and female pronghorn grow horns. Females’ horns are small, many times only bumps, but can grow to two inches. The lady below at right has longer horns. Oh I love those eyelashes!
Male horns are unique, a cross between horns and antlers. True antlers are made of bone and shed annually where true horns are made of compressed keratin growing from a bony core and never shed. Pronghorn horns are neither true antlers or horns. This fella is wearing his horns and missing the top pronged sheath he sheds annually. His new pronged sheath will grow again next spring.
Pronghorn, unique Western inhabitants that makes life more fascinating!
Until next time my friend . . .
