Fleet-footed pronghorns are among the speediest animals in North America. They can run at more than 53 miles (86 kilometers) an hour, leaving pursuing coyotes and bobcats in the dust. Pronghorns are also great distance runners that can travel for miles at half that speed. The pronghorn is the second fastest land mammal in the world, after the cheetah. It can attain speeds of over 53 miles (86 kilometers) per hour. Bucks weigh about 110 pounds (50 kg); does weigh about 80 pounds (36 kg).
Pronghorns depend on their eyesight and speed to escape enemies. Their eyes protrude in such a way that they can see in a side direction. They prefer to live on the open plains where they can see for long distances. The eyes of a Pronghorn are nothing short of exceptional. They can pick up movement as far as three miles away. The eyes are located far back on the head so they can keep watch even while the head is down during feeding. Pronghorns are relatively disease- and parasite-free. Losses occur from predation, primarily coyote, and starvation during severe winters with prolonged deep snow. |
