Predation Attempt by a Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) on a Pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) in Southeastern Alberta, Canada.

Authors:

Paul F. Jones, Blaine Seward, Jennifer L. Baker, Brad A. Downey

Publication:

Canadian Wildlife Biology & Management 4(1): 67-71; 2015

Abstract:

Pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) is a native grassland species that shares its range with a number of sympatric predators including the golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos). This paper reports on the photographic documentation of a predation attempt by a female adult golden eagle on a female pronghorn fawn in southeastern Alberta, Canada. A series of images captured by our trail cameras show that the eagle inflicted significant wounds to the fawn’s side and rump, and based on circumstantial evidence, we believe the fawn succumbed to its injuries. Unique to this predation event is the role that a fence line played by either assisting the fawn to escape the eagle, or alternatively, helping the eagle in its predation attempt. Additional research is required to determine the level of predation by golden eagles on pronghorn, the timing of such events, and the hunting behaviour of eagles involved in such predation attempts.