Pronghorn Buck - Speed Goat

Pronghorn are the fastest land mammal in North America and can run at speeds up to 50-60 miles per hour (80-95 kph). They are the second fastest land mammal in the world, only beaten by the cheetah. Some evidence suggests that they can run so fast because they evolved with a now extinct American cheetah species that once hunted them, as no other extant predator on the continent can run anywhere near as fast. Captured near Ennis, Montana.

comments (5)

Ferdy Christant

Lion

That's interesting, I had no idea about its speed. Love the overview of the scene, great shot! Posted 10 years ago
1. travismorhardt
  
  Lion
  
  Yes, and they are very shy, too, so it is often difficult to get a good shot of them with my gear. I have been through the area where I took this photo several times, wanting a good photo of a pronghorn with the mountainous backdrop. Thanks! Posted 10 years ago
2. 1. Ferdy Christant
    
    Lion
    
    I believe they are also in the Planet Earth series, when they migrate through human territory and even get through the highest barb wire fences. Impressive mammals! Posted 10 years ago
  2. 1. travismorhardt
      
      Lion
      
      Fences have actually been a real obstacle in their natural migration routes. They don't really jump very well, and have a hard crossing barbed wire fences. There are some organizations that are working with ranchers to remove unneeded fences to help them with their seasonal migrations. Posted 10 years ago
    2. 1. Ferdy Christant
        
        Lion
        
        That would be great. The scene in Planet Earth (if I recall correctly) actually had one stuck in the barb wire, yet it managed to struggle itself free. Posted 10 years ago

The Pronghorn

The pronghorn is a species of artiodactyl mammal indigenous to interior western and central North America. Though not an antelope, it is often known colloquially in North America as the prong buck, pronghorn antelope, ''cabri'' , or simply antelope because it closely resembles the true antelopes of the Old World and fills a similar ecological niche due to convergent evolution.

It is the only surviving member of the family Antilocapridae. During the Pleistocene period, 12 antilocaprid.. more

Info 16 0

Similar species: Even-toed Ungulates

Species identified by travismorhardt