Mule Deer and Pronghorn at Black Mesa State Park - Steve Creek Wildlife Photography

I photographed this mule deer and young pronghorn during an evening drive near Black Mesa State Park in Oklahoma.

Mule Deer Encounter Near the Nature Preserve

Mule Deer fawn standing in sunlight near Black Mesa State Park Oklahoma — This Mule Deer fawn stepped briefly into the sunlight while staying close to its mother near the nature preserve.

With the increasing number of people at Black Mesa State Park, I wasn’t too hopeful about spotting much wildlife during my evening drive around the area. However, just a few minutes after leaving the park and heading toward the nature preserve, I was pleasantly surprised. I came across a Mule Deer Doe with two fawns. Though one fawn stayed hidden in the dark shadows alongside the doe, I managed to capture a photo of the other fawn standing in bright sunlight.

As I continued to the nature preserve, traffic picked up. I was particularly hoping to see Big Horn Sheep in a spot I was tipped off about. When I reached the area, I noticed three vehicles parked off the road, but there was no sign of people or sheep. Despite scanning the area, I saw nothing. A nearby creek or river flows through this area, and while I was tempted to explore, I wasn’t sure what was private property, so I decided to stay on the county road.

Young Pronghorn Near the Prairie Dog Town

Young pronghorn standing near prairie dog town south of Black Mesa State Park — This young pronghorn paused and looked toward my truck before running to catch up with the others.

With no luck at the preserve, I headed back to Black Mesa State Park, deciding to visit the Prairie Dogs that live south of the park. I’m glad I did because I spotted a small group of Pronghorns near the Prairie Dog town. Among them was a young pronghorn, who seemed quite curious about me and my truck. It would pause to glance my way before trotting off to catch up with the others.

Young pronghorn running across prairie near Black Mesa State Park Oklahoma — The young pronghorn ran across the open prairie as the small group moved away from the roadside.

Adult pronghorn buck standing in prairie near Black Mesa State Park Oklahoma — This adult pronghorn buck stood alert in the open prairie, watching my truck before slowly moving away.

Baby Pronghorn Facts and Behavior

Here are some interesting facts I learned about baby pronghorns after doing some research:

Birth and Early Development

Rapid Growth: Fawns can stand within minutes of being born and begin nursing within 2 hours. They can outrun a human within just a few days of birth.

Appearance and Growth

Coloration: Newborn pronghorns have grayish-brown fur, which changes to adult coloration after about 3 months. They nurse for 5–6 months before being fully weaned.

Behavior and Survival Strategies

Protective Tactics: For the first few days after birth, fawns are relatively weak and stay near water sources with their mothers. Female pronghorns use several tactics to protect their young from predators, including consuming the afterbirth and eating their fawns’ excrement to eliminate scents that could attract predators.

Social Development

Summer Bands: Within days of birth, fawns begin traveling and foraging with their mother and other females in summer bands. The young pronghorns play extensively, developing strength and dexterity. Female pronghorns care for their young for 1 to 1.5 years before the offspring become fully independent.

Seeing these young pronghorns was a highlight of the evening, a reminder that even in a crowded park, there’s always a chance for wildlife encounters.