2002_1345 Pronghorn
This winter, I have frequently seen Pronghorn - Antilocapra americana, often referred to as antelope - near the turnoff to Grasslands Park, feeding on spilled grain in the wheat fields. This is an early morning shot. There were about 75 in sight that day in a large, scattered herd.
Known to be the second fastest runners in the animal kingdom, just behind the cheetah, pronghorn have been clocked at 55-60 mph, and can maintain a steady, 30 mph pace for many km. No North American predator can catch them, which leads to speculation that they evolved to be able to outrun a now extinct predator.
Look at their blocky bodies and rather spindly legs. Born to run, they have extra-large lungs and heart for oxygen intake and rapid pumping of blood. To see a herd or even a few individuals shift into high gear on the run is simply breathtaking; they flow like water over the land, running effortlessly. These five are merely trotting. Late winter, dawn sky.
Photographed near Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan (Canada). Don't use this image on websites, blogs, or other media without explicit permission ©2020 James R. Page - all rights reserved.
2002_1345 Pronghorn
This winter, I have frequently seen Pronghorn - Antilocapra americana, often referred to as antelope - near the turnoff to Grasslands Park, feeding on spilled grain in the wheat fields. This is an early morning shot. There were about 75 in sight that day in a large, scattered herd.
Known to be the second fastest runners in the animal kingdom, just behind the cheetah, pronghorn have been clocked at 55-60 mph, and can maintain a steady, 30 mph pace for many km. No North American predator can catch them, which leads to speculation that they evolved to be able to outrun a now extinct predator.
Look at their blocky bodies and rather spindly legs. Born to run, they have extra-large lungs and heart for oxygen intake and rapid pumping of blood. To see a herd or even a few individuals shift into high gear on the run is simply breathtaking; they flow like water over the land, running effortlessly. These five are merely trotting. Late winter, dawn sky.
Photographed near Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan (Canada). Don't use this image on websites, blogs, or other media without explicit permission ©2020 James R. Page - all rights reserved.