If I was quicker on the draw (drawing my camera out of my backpack, that is), I’d have caught double this number of pronghorns on the far ridge across Spring Creek in Spring Creek Basin. It’s not common … but not necessarily UNcommon … to see a group this size. But seeing the actual number WAS uncommon … and uncommonly awesome. 🙂
“Speed goats” is a nickname for pronghorns in Wyoming. It’s a cool random tidbit that has always stuck with me. They’re ubiquitous in Wyoming. Not so much here.
Anywhere, they’re just cool!
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Agree TJ! They’re just cool!
And you should see them right now—really grouping up! Fun to watch.
I think this is their mating season? The bucks are with the does, and the groups here are larger, too. “Larger” being relative … not like in Wyoming! 🙂 Hope you’re well and out to see your wildings often!
Very cool.
Yes!
“Speed Goats.” I love that…and them! Always like seeing those guys out there – an added bonus along with our wonderful mustangs!
Isn’t that the best nickname? 🙂 I love seeing them, too. Interestingly, especially when a buck is by himself, he seems to act as a bit of a sentry for the horses.
And can they move! Such fast movers!
They’re always challenging vehicles to races. I politely decline! They ARE fast! 🙂
Is a pronghorn a deer? I’ve never seen those. I’ve never seen an elk either…I really want to. I saw my first bobcat at work one day and that was amazing. I love your animals. I wish I was there.
Great question. If you can believe it, pronghorns are most closely related to … wait for it … giraffes! 🙂 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pronghorn
That link says they’re distant relatives of deer, cattle, goats, sheep, antelope and gazelles (and they’re the fastest land mammal in North America).
Many people call them “antelope,” but they’re correctly called pronghorn.
Very cool to see a bobcat! They’re elusive, even out here. We’ll get you out for a visit one of these days. 🙂
Giraffes! That’s so cool. I wish I was related to giraffes.
A wonderful book about pronghorns is “Built for Speed: A Year in the Life of Pronghorn” by John Byers.