Antelope
Antelope within Grand Teton National Park and surrounding areas are wonderful to watch as they graze, run and pose along rolling hills, forest glades and sagebrush flats.
- Wyoming is the only state that has more Pronghorns than people
- Pronghorn Antelope can be seen along Antelope Flats Road in Grand Teton National Park
- Families of Pronghorn can be seen grazing in Lamar Valley in Yellowstone
- Pronghorn should be respected and not bothered in their natural habitat
Overview
The antelope within Grand Teton are called Pronghorn Antelope, a species native to interior western and central North America. They are normally brown or tan in color, and have a white belly and chest, weighing in at around 135 pounds.
These beautiful animals are not true antelopes. They are the only surviving members of the family Antilocapridae. Pronghorn Antelope live on grasslands and dry plains and within forests. Numbers are declining due to habitat destruction and because of over-hunting.
Interesting Facts
- Wyoming has the unique distinction of being the only state with more pronghorn than people.
- Pronghorns are fast runners and can reach speeds of over 60 miles per hour.
- The pronghorn sheds and re-grows its horns each year.
Best Place for Viewing Pronghorn Antelope
Drive two miles north of Moose Junction and take Antelope Flats Road. Here you’ll drive through the grazing lands of antelope. Loop around past Kelly and meet up with Highway 89 at Gros Ventre Junction. All along the way you will likely spot this fascinating creature.
The Pronghorn also favor the flats and hills close to the North Entrance to Yellowstone and you can see them in other locations within Yellowstone National Park, such as in Lamar Valley.
Respecting Wildlife
When viewing wildlife, it’s important to remember some basic rules:
- Keep a safe distance from all wildlife. Avoid disturbing them.
- You can use roadside turnouts for safe viewing.
- Use binoculars or telephoto lenses in order to see more of an animal’s natural behavior and activity.
- If you willfully approach wildlife in a way that disturbs an animal, a park ranger can ticket and fine you.
