Yes. There are wild oryxes (gemsbok) in the U.S.A. No, they are not a native species. They are native to Africa.
In the 1970s the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish wanted to increase “large game” opportunities for hunters. So they intentionally released 95 oryxes into New Mexico’s White Sands Missile Range. An Abundance of food and no natural predators led to a population boom. There are now between 4,000 and 6,000 oryxes in New Mexico. In Africa, lions control the oryx population. In New Mexico, the largest predators are mountain lions and coyotes, which cannot control the population.
Oryx Facts
Both male and female Oryx have horns. Their horns can be lethal: oryxes have been known to kill lions using their horns.
Newborn calves are able to run with the herd almost immediately after birth.
The horns also make the animals a prized game trophy, which has led to the near-extinction of the two northern species.
Currently the Oryx population is stable. Treats to their population include Human encroachment on land, climate change, and habitat destruction
Eye of the Wild Photography 