Drivers beware of antelope in heat Published Oct. 1, 2007 By George Mowl 90th Civil Engineer Squadron conservation law enforcement officer F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo. -- It's that time of year again when Wyoming's wildlife, particularly the males of the species, leave their barrows, hollows and hiding places in search of a mate. Most notable on our installation is the resident herd of American pronghorn. This time of year brings the annual mating season or, as it's commonly called, the rut. During the next couple of months, drivers need to be extremely cautious and alert when traveling throughout the installation. As most base residents know, the pronghorns have become accustomed to the roadways, housing areas and people. This becomes more apparent during the rut. Pronghorn males, or bucks, whether mature or not, will start gathering the female pronghorns, or does, into herds and will chase them in hopes of herding them for breeding. The mature bucks will also chase off the immature and less dominant bucks. In doing so, expect pronghorns to cross any road on the installation at a moment's notice at any time and at any hour, day or night. They will mysteriously appear out of nowhere and be in front of vehicles in the blink of an eye. Historically, many pronghorn versus vehicle accidents have occurred along Randall Avenue, Old Glory Road, South Creek Drive, South Frontier Road and Missile Drive. However, accidents have occurred in nearly every portion of the installation, so be aware and alert at all times. Pronghorns are the fastest land mammals in the Western Hemisphere, with the ability to reach speeds of 60 miles per hour. They won't be watching for drivers, so drivers must watch out for them. Additionally, bucks will become extremely aggressive during the rut. Please remember that Warren's pronghorn are still wild animals. Under no circumstances should people ever approach a pronghorn, buck, doe or fawn, whether it's injured or not. Keep control of pets and keep an eye on children. Pronghorn bucks have been known to beat up pets and humans during this time of year, although this type of aggression has not been reported on the installation. If anyone is unfortunate enough to hit a pronghorn with their vehicle or have a pronghorn run into them, report it immediately. It is important that all vehicle versus wildlife accidents or incidents be reported so they can be tracked for wildlife management purposes. Even if the animal runs away after the accident, it must be reported so 90th Civil Engineer Squadron can attempt to find the animal to assess its injuries. For more information about the pronghorns or any wildlife on base, call the Warren conservation law enforcement officer during the day at 773-3544 or 631-0675. After duty hours, call the law enforcement desk at 773-3501.