Yellowstone Pronghorn
Fastest land mammal in North America (60 mph).
Overview
Pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) aren't true antelope — they're the last surviving member of a distinct North American family. They evolved their 60 mph speed to outrun the extinct American cheetah, which is why they're so much faster than anything that hunts them today.
In Yellowstone they live almost entirely on the northern range, in small numbers hemmed in by forest and barriers to migration.
Where to find them
- Lamar Valley sage: Open sagebrush flats along the valley floor.
- Mammoth to Gardiner: Northern-range sage, especially spring and fall.
- Blacktail Plateau: Open sage and grass.
When to look
Daytime, spring and fall when they gather on the lower northern range. Fawns (twins) are born May–June.
⚠️Stay at least 25 yd away
Frequently asked questions
Is a pronghorn an antelope?+
Not technically — it's the last surviving member of a distinct family (Antilocapridae) found only in North America. It looks like an antelope but isn't closely related to true African antelope.
How fast can a pronghorn run?+
Up to about 60 mph (97 km/h) — the second-fastest land mammal on Earth after the cheetah, and unlike the cheetah it can hold near-top speed for miles.
Where can I see pronghorn?+
Almost entirely on the northern range — Lamar Valley sage flats and the road from Mammoth to Gardiner. They prefer open, treeless country where they can see predators.
Sources & data notes
- Pronghorn data is drawn from official NPS, USGS, and NOAA sources catalogued in our source registry. Observer-submitted sightings are not published on this public guide.
- Pronghorn is documented via NPS reference pages; no dedicated population time-series is in the public dataset.
- NPS Yellowstone mammals overview — National Park Service (Official mammal checklist/context page with current park-level population notes; not point data.)
- NPS Yellowstone wildlife overview — National Park Service (Official wildlife viewing and habitat context; not observation records.)
Spotted something off, or want a deeper dive? Every claim above links to its original source — look for the ↗ markers and the Sources section.