Antelope

In Canada, Pronghorns are found only in the southern corners of Alberta and Saskatchewan. From Canada their range extends into Oregon, California and to Northern Mexico.

Millions of pronghorns once roamed western North American with the bison, but by the early 1900s only 20,000 pronghorns remained because of hunting pressures and following a particularly devastating winter. After decades of management, numbers have been restored to the point that limited hunting is now allowed.

In times of danger, the hair on the prominent white rump patch will erect and flash a warning that is visible from some distance away. The Pronghorn is built for speed, and can run up to 90 kilometers per hour (55 miles per hour) for short bursts, and can sustain a speed of up to 60 kilometers per hour

Wire fences caused a big population decline

Pronghorns seem to be unsure of their ability to jump over obstacles, and barbed wire fences are a great barrier for them. In fact, these fences can be a deadly barrier in the winter if the Pronghorn are unable to crawl under or find a way around in order to find food or escape severe weather. There were actually special reserves established for Pronghorns in the 1940s as the population took such a drastic drop when the rangelands were first fenced.

Help from Ranchers

Now that ranchers are aware of the fencing problem, they usually leave enough room so the Pronghorn can dip beneath the lowest strand.

Traditionally, Pronghorns would wander the prairies according to the season, heading for wind-swept hills in the winter and special areas in the spring for the arrival of the kids. The spread of civilization has greatly reduced the Pronghorns roaming ability, and they haven’t adapted well to living near human populations. They usually wander about a square mile during an average day.

Other Antelope Facts

Average height 35 to 41 inches (88 to 103 centimeters) tall at the shoulder

Average weight 71 to 139 pounds (32 to 63 kilograms).
The natural predator of the Pronghorn is the coyote. The Pronghorn form large herds, and collectively they are more able to spot an approaching enemy.

Exceptional eyesight helps the Pronghorn to spot danger from up to 6 km. (3.7 miles) away. The white rump patch fans out in times of danger to warn other members of the herd.

They are most active in the early morning and late afternoon, and rest while the hot prairie sun is at its peak.