NPS Photo Known for their incredible speed and remarkable adaptations, pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) thrive in the wide open prairies of western America. Commonly referred to as “antelope,” pronghorn are not truly an antelope and are the last surviving member of the taxonomic family Antilocapridae, a group of herbivores that evolved in North America. They are a vestige of evolutionary history on our continent, but their unique adaptions reveal why they’ve endured the test of time while their related counterparts faded away. Pronghorn are medium-sized animals with a lean, streamlined body built for speed. Adults typically weigh approximately 115 pounds and stand about 3 feet tall at the shoulder. They can run at speeds of up to 55 miles per hour, making them the second-fastest land mammal in the world, behind the cheetah. Their long, slender legs and specialized muscles are optimized for fast, sustained running over long distances. This combination of explosive speed and vigorous endurance makes them nearly uncatchable to predators and plays a pivotal role in their survival strategy. Another exceptional feature of these creatures is their eyesight. The placement of their large, dark eyes provide an estimated 320˚ of visibility, which, paired their excellent eyesight, allows them to spot moving objects 3 miles away with ease. For this reason, pronghorn are commonly found grazing or bedded in wide-open areas, like prairie dog towns, where they have the advantage of being able to spot threats far in the distance. Pronghorn continue to separate themselves from the rest of the herd with their unique horns. In addition to being the only animal in North America with horns that split forward, they are the only animal on the planet to shed their horns annually. While many animals, such as deer and elk, shed their antlers early each spring, animals with horns, like bison and sheep, keep them for their entire life. Both sexes of pronghorn have horns, but females have tiny spikes compare to males’ iconic prolonged horns that can grow up to 18 inches long. Even with their unrivaled speed, endurance, and sight, pronghorn still encounter challenges to survive out on the prairie. Fawn predation and extreme winter conditions are primary sources of mortality for this species. Despite these challenges, a lucky pronghorn can survive up to 10 years in the wild. If you’re hoping to spot this unique species during your visit to the park, focus your efforts on prairie dog towns. Common places to see them in the South Unit include Beef Corral along the Scenic Loop Road and on Lindbo Flats, just north of Boicourt Overlook. |
Last updated: April 11, 2025