Pronghorn Migration Corridor Conservation

Pronghorn antelope undertake one of North America's longest land migrations, but fences and development increasingly threaten these ancient routes.

Key Facts

Pronghorn can run at 55 mph - the fastest land mammal in the Western Hemisphere
They rely on vision rather than smell and cannot jump fences like deer
The Path of the Pronghorn in Wyoming is one of North America's longest land migrations at 150 miles
Fences with low bottom wires allow pronghorn to crawl underneath safely
Highway crossings are a major mortality source - underpasses have been effective where installed
Climate change is shifting vegetation in ways that may disrupt migration timing
Pronghorn populations have declined from 35 million to approximately 700,000
Collaborative programs between ranchers, agencies, and conservation groups protect key corridors

Welfare Considerations

Pronghorn blocked by fences during migration face life-threatening exhaustion, starvation, and dehydration as they pace barriers unable to pass. Fence modifications costing as little as $300 per mile can eliminate this problem. Highway mortality causes traumatic deaths and injured animals that suffer before dying. The psychological stress of disrupted migration on a species evolved over millions of years to make seasonal movements represents a significant welfare concern. Conservation of migration corridors addresses both individual welfare and population viability.

What You Can Do

Support the Path of the Pronghorn and similar migration corridor conservation programs
Advocate for wildlife-friendly fence design standards on public and private lands
Support wildlife crossing infrastructure on highways in pronghorn habitat
Learn about pronghorn ecology and the history of their migration routes
Donate to organizations working with ranchers to modify fences for wildlife passage