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Pronghorn, Canada geese
Date Issued: 2001-04-19
Postage Value: 34 cents

Commemorative issue
Great Plains prairie
Pronghorn, Canada geese

Pronghorn antelope are found only in North America. They are often referred to as "antelope," however, they are not closely related to any African antelope species. The name "pronghorn" is derived from a forward projection or prong on each horn. Pronghorn have true horns, in that the horn sheath is composed of fused hairs which cover a bone core. The horn sheath is shed each year in October-November. In comparison, deer and elk have antlers that are composed entirely of bone and shed completely each year. Both sexes of pronghorn have horns, but those of the female are much smaller (4 inches), seldom exceeding the length of the ear. Horns on males reach their maximum length, 12-20 inches, by the beginning of breeding season, July or August.

Pronghorn are not large animals when compared to deer or elk. Mature males stand 36-40 inches at the shoulder and weigh 85-130 pounds. Females weigh 75-105 pounds. Pronghorn have chunky bodies with long, slim legs. Relative to body size, they have a large windpipe, heart, and lungs which allow them to take in large amounts of air when running. These features, combined with an extremely light bone structure, contribute to the pronghorn's amazing speed. Pronghorn can maintain speeds of 40 mph for several miles, reaching 60 mph in shorter bursts.
 

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