Massive Pronghorn Migration Halts Traffic on Wyoming Highway

In a stunning display of nature’s grandeur, a traffic standstill near the Wyoming-Colorado border turned into an impromptu wildlife spectacle as thousands of pronghorn antelope dashed across a snow-covered highway, Whiskey Riff reports.

Far from the typical urban gridlock, drivers were treated to the mesmerizing sight of one of North America’s most breathtaking animal migrations.

The remarkable event took place on New Year’s Day along State Highway 230 near Encampment, Wyoming. A couple driving through the region was forced to stop their vehicle as an endless wave of pronghorn—estimated to be upwards of 20,000—commandeered the road. The driver, who captured the scene on video, described it as a “great migration.”

Wyoming is home to the largest pronghorn population in North America, with approximately 320,000 of these swift and agile creatures inhabiting the state. Often mistaken for antelope, pronghorn are unique artiodactyl mammals known for their incredible speed, reaching up to 61 miles per hour. They also have remarkable eyesight, allowing them to spot movement from miles away—traits that help them evade predators.

Pronghorn herds vary in size, often numbering in the hundreds. But this particular migration dwarfed the usual gatherings, with tens of thousands moving in unison. Video footage shows the animals initially funneling toward a fence, where they instinctively tried to navigate the obstacle. Some jumped gracefully over it, while others attempted to crawl underneath.

Animal-related traffic interruptions are surprisingly common in rural areas. Encounters with bison, elk, and deer often prompt road closures and delays. However, few can rival the awe-inspiring scene that unfolded on this Wyoming highway.