Pronghorn

NPS Photo

Antilocapra americana

Habitat

Open plains, fields, grasslands, brush, deserts, and basins

Diet

Grasses, forbs, sagebrush, and other prairie plants

Predators

Mountain lions, wolves, coyotes, grizzly bears, bobcats, golden eagles

General Biology

Pronghorn 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.

Behavior

Pronghorn 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.

Conservation

Least concern

When and Where to See

Check open fields near the northern end of the park. Most likely to see them from late spring through fall.