Jack of All Trades

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Something I just learned is that even though these adorable really big-eared animals are called jackrabbits, they are not rabbits but hares. Jackrabbits are large in size and the largest of the species is the white-tailed jackrabbit. They can weigh over ten pounds. Their color varies and their fur can be tan, grey, silver, brown, or black. Their large ears always stand straight up. Four of the six jackrabbit species call North America home. They live across much of the western US and you can find quite a few also in Mexico. Their common habitats are scrubland, prairie, desert, and other arid-environmental habitats. Their large ears help regulate the heat of the desert for them. Jackrabbits are herbivores and feed on different kinds of plants, among them shrubs, grasses, flowering plants, and small trees. Jackrabbits are not very social and prefer to go their own solitary way. They are most active at night when it is cool in the desert. When the temps get lower, they’ll forage during the day. Their breeding season depends on where they live and can vary for different populations. After females breed the young hares are known as “leverets” and are born with their eyes open. Soon after birth they can walk and run.