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Pronghorn
are the fastest animals in the Western Hemisphere. They are
capable of running at 70 mph (113 kph) for 3 or 4 minutes.
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They
are the only surviving members of a group of animals that
has been evolving in North America for the last 20 million
years.
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They
have horns rather than antlers and their horns are unique
in that they have prongs and they are shed and regrown each
year. Most horned animals never shed their horns.
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Pronghorn
are not very closely related to the antelope of Africa but
were described as being similar in appearance to the African
antelope and gazelle by the explorers Lewis and Clark. They
are therefore often called Pronghorn Antelope rather than
just Pronghorn.
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Pronghorn
form herds as a defense against predators. If one individual
detects danger it flares its bright white rump patch, signalling
the others to flee. With just a little advance warning adults
can usually outrun a predator.
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If
you would like to learn the difference
between antlers and horns follow this link.
