Monday, November 22, 2010

Honk your horn if you love wild animals

Me: So, Snapper, what do you think of our new sculpture?

Snapper: I suppose it's ok if you're into that sort of thing.

And I'm definitely into that sort of thing, where thing equals found object. Our new sculpture is actually a Pronghorn horn. I found it right in the middle of the path as Smooch and I walked around the fenceline.

Buck photo courtesy of Arizona Game and Fish

Here are some fun facts about the Pronghorn that roam the range around the 7MSN:
•  The Pronghorn is the only animal in the world with branched horns (not antlers) and the only animal to shed its horns, as if they were antlers. The horn is a hollow sheath over a bony core that rises from the skull just above the eye. A buck's horns are up to 15 inches long. Each has a distinctive prong on the front, which gives the species its name.
• Pronghorn are found only on the plains and grasslands of North America.
• The Pronghorn is the fastest land mammal in the world.  It can sprint as fast as 60 mph and can sustain a speed of 30 mph for miles.
• A Pronghorn herd travels as one, not leaving a single animal open to attack. The herd runs in perfect unison in a very tight, oval-shaped formation, much like a flock of birds.
• Pronghorn cannot leap fences, as deer can, so they crawl under fences instead.

Can I just say that my heart skips a beat every time I see a Pronghorn? I'll stop whatever it is I'm doing and just watch (and take pictures, if I'm lucky enough to be wearing my camera). It's a privilege to see something so wild and beautiful, and I will never tire of it.

Smooch: No way, no how am I posing with that thing on my head.

Clearly, Smooch and I do not have the same taste when it comes to art. We found this horn several weeks ago, and I've been meaning to show it to you. I had forgotten all about it until yesterday afternoon, when I looked out the living room window and noticed George and Alan chasing something across the pasture.


30 comments:

  1. Very interesting horn and info on the pronghorns.

    Snapper's take on the horn was cute, but Smooch's just about had me rolling on the floor! That picture of her is priceless!!! Your last picture is amazing ... what a sight!

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  2. Awesome art, 7MSN! I love your commentary & photos.

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  3. They are cool animals, especially when seen as a large herd in the foothills. Sometimes their herds are so large that your eyes trick you into thinking the entire prairie is moving.

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  4. The look on Smooch's face is PRICELESS!!!

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  5. Honk, honk!

    In Montana we just called them antelope. Guess you have the fancier name in NM! (They are the same, right? Or am I getting my wildlife mixed up?)

    It's too early...

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  6. wow they are amazing i sure did not know that cool stuff about them :)
    love the look on smooches face she is saying a lot there LOL

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  7. Pronghorn - neat
    Pronghorn as a piece of art - unusual
    Smooches look - priceless

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  8. Wow!! That's a big herd of pronghorn!! George and Alan had a party!!

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  9. That is pretty amazing to see that in your front yard! I get excited about rabbits and the occassional deer! Love that pic of Smooch!

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  10. LOL Smoochface! Savanah does the same face when I try and show her something she does not like.

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  11. I LOVE Smooch:)

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  12. I love animal trivia--how cool that they are actually horn, but shed them like antlers.

    Smooches expression is priceless!!

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  13. Fun! LOVE Smooch's expression! Priceless. Amazing herd photo.

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  14. George & Alan look like they're working on 'join up'! Great post about the pronghorns. Cat is cool but Smoochie ROFLMAO!

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  15. I'd love to see the underlying horn without the sheath...now you've got me all curious.

    I've always been intrigued by pronghorns. They seem like exotic African antelopes, right here in the lower 48. And they've been impressively resilient, faced with the fencing of the praries.

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  16. Aww, come on, Smooch. Live a little and try on the horn for size. Who knows, it may just fit!

    Di

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  17. All I ever find are old used firecrackers after the 4th of July.
    Love Smooch's expression!

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  18. OMG that picture of Smooch is hilarious!

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  19. How cool I never knew Pronghorn were down there too (although we call them antleopes in Alberta too)

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  20. Poor Smooch! You've captured the look of "horror" perfectly.

    That's the one thing I didn't get to see on my visit to the Ranch. I would have been awestruck too.

    George & Alan don't seem to be running real fast there...

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  21. Perhaps Smooch is concerned about starring in a remake of the Grinch? Our dog went to the holiday parade as Max one year. :)

    They are amazing creatures. I didn't realize they were so common in NM!

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  22. WOW, those are much larger than I realized. I love the expression on your dog's face.
    Suzanne

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  23. That is a fabulous object! And what fantastic creatures! I love the glimpses you give us into your piece of Paradise.

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  24. And who said dogs can't talk. Interesting info also. Guess I have seen one. I still get excited when I see deer.

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  25. Smooch's face looks like you were approaching with Don Estorbo's Blue Cone of Shame...

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  26. First of all.....very interesting! Didn't know such a unique animal existed in North America. How very cool.

    Second.....OMG! love that shot of Smooch!!

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  27. 1- I feel like a total dumbass but I'll admit, I thought Pronghorn were African. *blush*

    2- IF Smooch had worn that horn on her head, well she woulda reminded me of the dog in "The Grinch Stole Christmas" lol

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  28. Great info, and as always, incredible photos.

    Smooch's "scared face" cracks me up!

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  29. Did you tell the burrito brothers they would look ridiculous with long ears and tall horns?

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