NPS Photo Antilocapra americana HabitatOpen plains, fields, grasslands, brush, deserts, and basins DietGrasses, forbs, sagebrush, and other prairie plants PredatorsMountain lions, wolves, coyotes, grizzly bears, bobcats, golden eagles General BiologyPronghorn are ungulates (hoofed animals) and are very similar to deer and antelope in appearance, but are actually neither. They are the last surviving member of a group called the Antilocapridae, all other members having gone extinct. Their closest living relatives today are giraffes. They can be distinguished from deer by their tan coats with white markings on the face, stomach, and rump. Also, both males and females have black colored horns that face backwards, though the males’ horns are longer. Unlike most horned animals, the outer sheath of their horns is shed every year similar to deer antlers. PredatorsPronghorn are the fastest land animals in North America, reaching speeds up to 55 miles per hour (88 kilometers per hour). This possibly evolved as a way to avoid extinct predators such as the American Cheetah. Today, animals such as mountain lions, wolves, coyotes, grizzly bears, and even golden eagles are known to prey on pronghorn. When alarmed, they will release a smell from glands on their rump that resembles buttered popcorn. ConservationLeast concern When and Where to SeeCheck open fields near the northern end of the park. Most likely to see them from late spring through fall. Further ReadingPronghorn - National Wildlife FederationAmerican Pronghorn: Social Adaptations and the Ghosts of Predators Past - John A. Byers - Google Books Pronghorns: Survivors of the American Savanna - National Zoo Antilocapra americana (Pronghorn) abstract |
Last updated: June 26, 2024