Wild Pronghorn Migration and Welfare

Pronghorns undertake one of North America's longest remaining land migrations. Fencing, roads, and development increasingly block their ancient corridors.

Key Facts

Pronghorns are the fastest land animal in the Western Hemisphere, reaching 88 km/h
They migrate up to 500 km seasonally — the longest land migration in the contiguous US
Unlike deer, pronghorns cannot jump fences and must squeeze under bottom rails
Migration corridors in Wyoming and Idaho face encroachment from energy development and fencing
Pronghorn populations have declined from an estimated 35 million to around 700,000
They are adapted to arid habitat with exceptional vision spanning nearly 360 degrees

Welfare Considerations

Migration is essential to pronghorn welfare — it allows access to seasonal forage, reduces winter mortality, and maintains genetic connectivity between populations. Fences that block migration cause animals to stack up at barriers, increasing stress, energy expenditure, and starvation risk. Road mortality during migration is significant. Conservation interventions include wildlife-friendly fence modifications (raised bottom rails, lay-down sections) and wildlife crossings on major highways, both of which substantially improve welfare outcomes.

What You Can Do

Support wildlife corridor protection programs in Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana
Advocate for wildlife-friendly fencing standards on public and private land in pronghorn range
Support highway wildlife crossing projects that reduce road mortality
Reduce energy development pressure in key pronghorn migration corridors