Hoofed Mammals

Hoofed Mammals Wild species are found in North America

Have hooves made of tough horn-like material

Another name for a mammal with hooves – ungulate

All hoofed mammals except horses and burros are cloven-hooved (hoof is divided into two parts

Pronghorn

Pronghorn Often called an antelope Not a member of the same family as the

true antelopes around the rest of the world Not a member of the deer family Live in deserts and plains where terrain is

relatively flat Herbivores Best defenses are eyesight and speed

- Can run up to 50 mph for short distances Small brown animal with white

undermarkings

Pronghorn

Horns shed in the fall Both males and females have horns Buck’s horns are bigger than doe’s

horns Young are born in late spring or

early summer (twins are common)

Moose

Moose

Moose

Moose Largest member of deer family

May be nearly 8’ tall at shoulder and weigh 1800 lbs.

Antlers may reach 6 feet across

Prefer to live alone in areas where there is abundant water

Moose Feed on lush vegetation and water

plants

Bulls battle one another for cows during breeding season and relaxed rest of year- Calves are born in spring

Cows are very protective of calves

Elk

Elk Popular game animals which range

from Canada to western U.S.

Reach 5’ at shoulder and mature bulls weigh 800 lbs.

Bulls have large antlers that shed every year+ Use for protection from predators and

battling during the rut (mating season)+ Use a whistling call to challenge another

bull and attract cows

Elk Calves are born in May or June

+ Camouglaged by white spots on their backs

+ Most vulnerable throughout lifetime in first few weeks of life

Prefer mountains and forest habitat, as they graze on grasses, twigs, and bark

White-Tailed Deer

White-Tailed Deer Most widely distributed in North

America than any other deer 4 feet tall at shoulder

Large buck can weigh 300 lbs.

Named for white color of hair on lower surface of its tail

White-Tailed Deer When excited, it waves its tail like

a white flag and snorts a call of alarm as it bounds to safety

Has a reputation among hunters for being crafty

Mule Deer

Mule Deer Distinguished from other deer by

the branched beams of the antlers and a white rump and tail

Tail is short with a black tip

Holds its tail down as it runs

Large ears

Mule Deer Mature buck weighs close to 300 lbs

Does weigh around 200 pounds

Mating occurs in fall and young are born in early summer

Most births are twins, with some singles and triplets

Mostly in the western U.S. and Canada

Bison

Bison Among largest big game animals in

world* Near 6’ tall at shoulder and weigh over a ton

Traveled in herds of nearly several hundred thousand before declining to near extinction

Now range in scattered areas of central and western U.S. and Canada

Bison

Cows give birth in spring to single calves weighing 30 to 40 pounds

Mature animals have short necks, distinct humps on the shoulders, crescent-shaped horns and shaggy, brown coats

Bighorn Sheep

Bighorn Sheep Live among the cliffs and ledges of

some of the most rugged mountains on the North American continent

Eat many different types of vegetation

Band together in small groups with ewes and lambs living separately from rams during much of the year

Bighorn Sheep During breeding season, the most

dominant rams battle for ewes* Crash of their horns can be heard for miles

Rams are polygamous – mate with several ewes

Brown in color with white rump patches

Mature rams weigh up to 300 lbs and stand to 3.5 feet at shoulder

Mountain Goat

Mountain Goat Occupy habitats at high altitudes

among the rocks above the timberline

Range extends from Alaska to Idaho and Montana

Billy goats have spiked horns they use to defend themselves and fight for females

Mountain Goat Large mature billy goats are often

close to 3.5 feet tall at shoulder

White in color and weigh up to 300 pounds

Are extremely agile and coordinated

Only a few hunting permits outside of Alaska are issued for these animals each year.

Wild Burro

Wild Burro Grand Canyon is home to this wild

species

Example of a domesticated animal returning to a wild state