Montana Pronghorn Antelope, Pictures

Pronghorn antelope are easily spotted in southwestern Montana on prairie land along roadways. They are not found directly in Big Sky, yet they are just over the mountains in Ennis.

Unlike most other wildlife, antelope actually feel safest by remaining out in the open, where they have a wide range of sight and where they won't be surprised by predators.

Antelope are the fastest animals in the Big Sky area of Montana. They can reach speeds up to 70 miles per hour and can maintain 30 miles per hour for a longer period of time. Their speed and their keen telescope like vision protect this animal in nature from predators, and even hunters. Antelope roam many miles daily in search of food. They typically stay close to their large herds and seek out sagebrush prairies and alfalfa fields. Bucks tend to be territorial for most of the year except for winters, when they join the larger herd to look for food.

Bucks, or male antelope, are easily recognized because of their foot long branched horns, hence "pronghorn." Does, or females, also have horns, but they rarely grow longer than two inches. Bucks typically weigh about 125 pounds, while does weigh just around 100. Every year does will give birth to two fawns. Amazingly enough, fawns start running just minutes after being born and are able to keep up with the herd after just four days. You can spot these tolerant creatures year round on the prairie, through blizzards and severe cold.