Pronghorn Antelope

This particular wild animal is likely the most misunderstood animal in North America.  However, it is one of the most visible and typically taken for granted by the passing motorist.  The population will range from Canada to the southern border of the United States.  In the heavier concentration  areas, you will see the Pronghorn Antelope in the rolling plains alongside most highways.

One of most least known facts of the Pronghorn Antelope is that the scientific name, Antilocapra Americana means "American Antelope Goat".  However, this deer like animal is neither antelope nor goat.  It is the surviving member of an ancient family dating back 20 million years.  For practical purposes it is most often referred to as a Pronghorn Antelope.

The Pronghorn is the only animal in the world with branched horns (not antlers) and the only animal that will shed its horns, as if they were antlers.  All species of wild sheep and the Mountain Goat also have horns, but they are not branch and they do not shed the horns.  The antlered species; Deer, Elk, Moose, and Caribou shed their antlers each fall or by mid winter.  

When you glance at the Pronghorn Antelope, they are a smaller animal but again what most people do not realize is that they are the fastest animal in the western hemisphere.  They have the ability to run with 20 foot bounds at speeds up to 60 mph.  Unlike the Cheetah, the speed burner of the African plains, the Pronghorn Antelope can run for hours at a fast pace.  

Beside their speed, they use their eyesight to warn them of danger, having the ability to view as far away as four miles.  The rear end of the Pronghorn Antelope has white hair and is utilized as a warning device for the other animals in the herd or band.  When running, the white hair will ruffle and stand out as a signal to other animals of danger.  When ruffled, other Antelope can detect the warning up to two miles away.

In the last two years, I have spent many hours sitting and watching the Pronghorn Antelope.  Both times were just prior to the rutting season or during the rut.  The male or Buck will spend a great deal of time scenting his area or developing urination holes to attract the females or Does to his band.  The typical band during the rutting season will range from four to a dozen Does.   The Buck will constantly remain alert to potential raiding Bucks.  When a potential raiding Buck appears, they will spend some time staring each other down at a safe distance.  Then one will break and charge the opponent hoping to chase him away.  I have sat and watch one Buck chase another Buck  for quite some distance before returning to his Does.  

This past fall while in the Black Hills of South Dakota, I also noted that it was not unusual to see females or Mule Deer Does also mingled in with the Pronghorn Antelope Does.  They are a great animal to sit and observe but very difficult to stalk and get in close to them.  Typically when I am in an area with Pronghorn Antelope, I will carry a white plastic bag with me.  If detected and the herd starts to run, by standing and waving the bag, the Buck will stop and stand his ground long enough to get a couple of quick camera shots.  I am assuming the "white bag" waving is similar to their rump hair as a danger warning and they stop long enough to determine the danger.  The are a great animal to photograph.

"Pronghorn Buck Scenting The Brush"

"Alerted To Potential Danger"

"Feeding At Sunrise"

"Sunrise"

"Checking Out His Urination Hole"

"Moving To Intercept A Rival Buck"

"Rival Buck Approaching His Area"

Winter Moose

With the additional snow that we have received in the last two weeks, the Moose have finally moved into the lowest elevation in the Anchor River Valley.  Currently, downstream from the confluence of the North Fork and South Fork of the Anchor River there is a heavy concentration of Moose.  Perhaps more than I have observed in the past several years.  The majority of them are cows and calves, although I have seen a couple of bulls that have shed their horns.  This morning, my son called me shortly after daylight reporting that he was watching two bulls with antlers intact.  I watched these bulls several times today. 

This afternoon, I did get in a little closer to them and was able to compare the two of them close together.  I am guessing that they are most likely three or four years old based on their antler size and configuration.  My gut instinct tells me that they are most likely brothers.  I did see two young bulls hanging together a couple of years ago when their mother kicked them out of the nest.   They hung out together all summer with their little spike horns and then disappeared.  I am thinking that these may be the same brothers as the age group would be about the same.  They do not get far away from one another, earlier this morning my son was able to watch them sparring with one another.  

It is unusual to see a bull with his antlers still intact this time of the year, but being young bulls there is not a great deal of weight to manage during the winter.  There have been reports of larger bull retaining their antlers as late as April, although I have never seen any past February.  I was surprised that these two had still retained theirs.  

All of the moose currently in the valley appear to be in very good shape and locating ample feed.  To date, I have seen no "barking" of the trees indicating that they are still finding plenty of willows and alders to feed on. 

These are not big bulls, but after looking since October, this is only the 3rd and 4th Bull Moose that I have seen. 

I was fortunate to get these shot from the opposite side of the Anchor River just downstream from the Anchor River Bridge.  At the time, they were headed upstream so I also took the vantage point of the bridge and was abler to get several aerial shots of them. 

"Headed Up River"

"Watching Me From Across The River"

"Aspirations Of Being A Big Bull"

"Thin Ice"

It is a good thing he is a young bull, he is standing on glare ice, which was running water three weeks ago.

Had to take a shot of this Cow Moose.  She has to be a Matriarch, she is not only a very big lady, most likely a barren cow.  The intriguing thing about her, there are those that say you can age a Moose by the length of their "Dewlap" or "Bell" that hangs from the underside of their jaw.  If that is the case, this lady has some age on her.  I do not recall seeing a "Bell" the size of the one that adorns her jaw.  I would estimate it to be a minimum of eighteen inches.  Although, I was in close to her, I gave her a wide berth as you can tell she is aware of my presence and not real keen on the concept of me getting any closer as indicated by her ears. 

Her hackles had not risen yet which is a sure sign of anger, but looking away and laying the ears back was all the sign I needed to retreat a few steps and give her some room.  She looks to be in very good shape and despite her size and age, she will see the green grass of spring. 

"Big Mama"