The pronghorn, with its graceful horns, is found only in the interior western and central parts of North America with a few in northern Mexico. It is the size of a small deer, with light tan coloring except for white fur on its face, underparts and hindquarters. This coloring allows it to blend in with the prairie where it feeds on grasses, the tender twigs of sagebrush and other shrubs.
A doe will use her sharp hoofs to beat off a coyote threatening her young, but otherwise the pronghorn has no real means of defense. However, being one of the fastest large mammals of North America, a mature pronghorn can sprint 55 miles an hour for a half mile, 42 miles an hour for one mile, and 35 miles an hour for 4 miles to escape from an enemy. It is often cited as the second-fastest land animal, with the cheetah being the fastest.
The pronghorn has remarkably keen sight. Its large eyes are placed far back on the side of its head, giving it a great circle of sharp vision. When it sees something threatening, it raises the white patch of fur around its tail—a warning signal to its companions, and they all run away. The Creator gave them the instinct to have one of their herd always stand watch. Even when they lie down, they face in different directions so an enemy cannot take them by surprise.
A doe usually bears twins in the spring. Their eyes are already open, and they are able to stand right away. Prowling animals cannot easily find them because they give off no scent for some months. At ten months they are fully grown, and by the end of a year they can run as fast as their parents.
What leads the pronghorn into trouble is its curiosity. Hunters will tie a piece of cloth to a stick and wave it in the air while remaining hidden. The pronghorn comes toward it to investigate, and the hunter shoots it. This is just like the person who knows that the Bible teaches the way “which leadeth unto life” (Matthew 7:1414Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. (Matthew 7:14)), but who is tempted to investigate the things that Satan and the world offer. Satan is always ready to deceive all who will be attracted by these temptations, leading them into tragedy and sorrow.
The Bible says, “Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls” (Jeremiah 6:1616Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein. (Jeremiah 6:16)). As our opening verse advises, do not be like the curious pronghorn and leave the right path. The Lord will give you the strength to stand firm and show you the right way. His instruction is: “Call upon Me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee” (Psalm 50:1515And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me. (Psalm 50:15)).
ML-01/08/2017