Pronghorn Antelope (Antilocapra Americana) - Species of the Day

Below is a single male (top) with the characteristic black cheek pouches and 2 females. Photographed east of the mouth of Horseshoe canyon, Chiricahua Mountains, on the east side of Highway 80.


The pronghorn antelope (Antilocapra Americana) is found throughout the
western United States. In the San Simon and San Bernadino Valleys straddling the Arizona New Mexico border Pronghorn can be found in the open grasslands. The only species in the family Antilocapridae, pronghorns have characteristic branched keratinized horns which are shed yearly leaving only the bony core. An individuals range will cover 20-40 square miles but they will congregate into herds. Males will collect harems of 3-8 females prior to mating. Generally one or two fawns are produced in the in late spring or early summer. Pronghorn can be found in the vicinity of Rodeo at the base of the Peloncillo Mountains.