Yellowstone Antelope, Pictures

The protected parklands of Yellowstone National Park are helping to stem the tide of diminishing numbers of pronghorn antelope.

Overview
Pronghorn antelope once numbered close to 40,000 in North America. According to the National Park Service, less than 1,000 pronghorn currently migrate through the Yellowstone area.

A pronghorn antelope is primarily tan or brown in color with a white belly and chest, pronghorn normally weighs around 135 lbs.

Interesting Facts
The antelope is uniquely built for speed due to its long, upright horns, slender body and ability to process oxygen at an extraordinarily high rate.
Considered the fastest land animal in North America, the pronghorn can reach speeds in excess of 60 miles per hour. The pronghorn can cruise comfortably at 30 miles per hour for long distances at a time.

The pronghorn sheds and re-grows its horns each year. Bucks (males) have horns with curved prongs. Their horns reach about a foot in length. Mature does (females), also have horns but they are much smaller - just a couple of inches long.

Best Places for Viewing Antelope
The pronghorn favors the hillsides and flats near the North Gate Entrance to Yellowstone. They can be seen in the area between Mammoth Hot Springs and Gardiner, Montana, which is a favorite grazing area, as are Lamar Valley and Specimen Ridge, in the northeastern area of the park.

Respecting Wildlife
Wildlife is abundant in Yellowstone National Park. However, when visiting the Park, remember that you are a guest in their home and as such, should respect them and their environment.

Some basic rules to follows include:

• Keep a safe distance from all wildlife. Approaching on foot within 100 yards of bears or wolves or within 25 yards of other wildlife is prohibited. 
• Please use roadside pullouts when viewing wildlife. 
• Use binoculars or telephoto lenses for safe viewing and to avoid disturbing them. By being sensitive to its needs, you will see more of an animal's natural behavior and activity.
• If you cause an animal to move, you are too close! It is illegal to willfully remain near or approach wildlife, including birds, within ANY distance that disturbs or displaces the animal. (And if this is witnessed by a Park Ranger you will be ticketed and fined)