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Bit Of History's Antelope of the Desert...Pronghorn

Scientific Name:

Antilocapra americana

Antelope along Hwy 50, NV

The Pronghorn is the fastest animal found in the West and it is one of the fastest animals in the world. It can run at 70 mph for a couple of minutes and can sustain a speed of 30 mph. It lives in grass lands and is active during both the day and the night hours. It depends on its speed and its eyesight for its safety and can see movement at up to a distance of 4 miles. In the summer, it grazes on grasses and cacti and in the winter, sagebrush. I have seen antelope grazing in both eastern Nevada and eastern Arizona. The one shown on this page I spotted along side of Hwy. 50 east of Austin, Nevada. The time was mid-morning. Although this one moved away slowly, it did not run and was not afraid of the camera. In Arizona, I have seen small herds grazing and keeping a careful eye out for any threat. I once saw 3 antelope standing in a line while a couple of people with cameras moved slowly up to take their pictures. Nobody seemed to be afraid and I hope the pictures came out ok.

Time to go... Antelope moving away

Reference: Deserts, An Audubon Society Nature Guide