IMNH R-873 Juvenile Pronghorn

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Juvenile North American pronghorn antelopes are striking figures to behold on the open ranges of western North America. Born after a gestation period of approximately 240 days, these young pronghorns emerge into the world with their eyes open and ready to run within the first hour. Their distinctive horns, which will continue to grow throughout their lives, already sport a primitive shape that will eventually become the iconic pair of lyre-shaped horns characteristic of this species. Pronghorn calves are able to walk within 10 minutes of birth and can keep up with their mothers' rapid pace in no time, often running at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour as they navigate through dense vegetation and across open plains. This impressive agility is crucial for survival, allowing the young pronghorns to evade predators like coyotes, mountain lions, and bears that constantly threaten them.