Great Plains Zoo and Delbridge Museum
North America
North American Pronghorn
Antilocapra americana
Animal Class:
Mammals
Diet:
Herbivore
Status in the Wild:
Stable
The Long Run
Pronghorns are the fastest North American mammals. They are capable of running at speeds in excess of 50-60 mph for short spurts, and speeds in excess of 30 mph for long distances up to 30 miles. They run with their mouth open to gasp extra oxygen.
Horns or Antlers?
Pronghorns have neither antlers nor true horns. Antlers are shed yearly and grow back. Horns are never shed and are composed of a bony core covered in keratin fibers. Pronghorns shed their horn sheaths every year and grow new ones back. The sheath is constructed of keratin.
