Fun Friday: 6 Things You Didn't Know About Pronghorn Antelopes

Get the skinny on the critter affectionately known as a "speed goat."

by
posted on March 24, 2023
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
pronghorn.jpg

They're a little goofy-looking, but if you blink you'll miss 'em...so we're here to catch you up with six things you didn't know about America's fastest land animal.

1. When you think of a speedy animal, you're probably thinking in terms of Africa: the cheetah, the Thompson's gazelle. But here in North America, the pronghorn antelope is the hands-down speed winner: It can run up to 60 mph and maintain that speed for a longer period of time than a cheetah.

2. Pronghorns hold the record for the longest land migration in the continental United States. Starting in November, large herds of pronghorns make a grueling 150-mile trek from Grand Teton National Park to the Upper Green River Valley in Wyoming. In April, they will reverse their route and head back north. It's a dangerous obstacle course, as the animals must cross many roads, through private property and ranches.

3. The pronghorn's slightly goofy appearance is due to some interesting survival traits. The pronghorn has extra-long hair on its rump, which sticks up in a way that's a bit amusing to watch when it senses danger. Large, sideways-facing eyes give it a 270-degree field of view so it can spot predators in the flat grassland habitat it calls home.

4. While they've certainly earned the nickname "speed goats," they're actually not related to deer or goats. In fact, they are the only surviving member of a family called Antilocapridae. Their closest living relative is the giraffe.

5. The standout characteristic of pronghorns is its horns! (And they are true horns, not antlers.) Both males and females have them. Females' horns are much shorter than males', which usually grow to around 10 or 12 inches high. The horns point backwards and have a small notch, or prong, at the top that points forwards.

6.  Pronghorns seldom drink water, because they fill most of their hydration needs with the plants they eat. 

Latest

Summer Frog Fun Lede
Summer Frog Fun Lede

From Pond to Pan, Frog-Hunting is Great Summer Fun

Get your gig, airgun, or .22 rifle and head for the water on a summer night and come away with some great eating!

First Impressions: CZ P-10 C Ported Pistol

Built for everyday carry and range performance, this new addition to CZ's lineup offers reduced recoil and other features new shooters will love.

Kyle Lamb Named Brand Ambassador for NRA America’s Rifle Challenge

"When I heard about the ARC program, its focus on the AR, and the NRA’s desire to provide AR training and ARC competitions, I wanted to be involved."

Y.E.S! NRA Foundation Awards $13,500 in College Scholarships

We're proud to announce the award recipients from the Y.E.S. Class of 2024!

KelTec Named Stage Sponsor for 2025 NRA World Shooting Championship

This year, KelTec will sponsor two competition stages, supplying innovative firearms for both professional and amateur divisions.

Throwback Thursday: Chinese Broomhandle Mausers

History may not always repeat itself, but it sure can rhyme.

Interests



Get the best of NRA Family delivered to your inbox.