54 HOOFED ANIMALS 



in captivity, its total extinction at an early date seems abso- 

 lutely certain, unless it is fully and permanently protected in 

 immense fenced game preserves, such as the Wichita and 

 Montana National Bison Ranges, of 14 and 29 square miles 

 respectively. Attempts are being made with Antelope in 

 both those ranges. 



In the United States this species exists only in small, 

 isolated bands, in a few localities in Montana, Wyoming, 

 Colorado, Texas, New Mexico, Nevada, Idaho, Utah, Oregon 

 and California. In all these states save one its destruction 

 has been absolutely prohibited for periods ranging from 

 five to ten years, and it is hoped and believed that all 

 will very shortly provide for its absolute protection. But 

 has protection come to this species early enough to save 

 it? It is very doubtful. Says Mr. A. G. Wallihan, in Outdoor 

 Life, "Look at the Antelope! But I don't know whether 

 you can find any to look at; for I don't think there are fifty 

 in Routt County [Colorado], where ten years ago there were 

 probably 50,000. They have almost completely disappeared 

 here. No doubt a small herd of a thousand or so went north 

 into Wyoming, but they will fare no better there." 



The destruction of this beautiful and interesting creature 

 is now absolutely inexcusable, and for the good name of 

 Americans generally it is to be hoped that wherever a wild 

 Prong-Horned Antelope is now to be found, public sentiment 

 will protect it more powerfully and more permanently than 

 can any statute law. 



