Snowshoe Hare
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| Lepus americanus Erxleben, 1777 |
The Snowshoe Hare (Lepus americanus), also called the varying hare, is a species of hare found in North America. It has the name "snowshoe" because its back feet are so big, it looks as though it is wearing big shoes to walk in the snow. The animal's big feet prevent it from sinking into the snow when it hops and walks.
For camouflage, its fur turns white during the winter and rusty brown during the summer. Its underparts are white year-round. The Snowshoe Hare is also distinguishable by the black tufts of fur on the edge of its ears. Their ears are shorter than those of most other hares.
In summer, they feed on plants like grass, ferns and leaves; in winter, they eat twigs, the bark from trees and buds from flowers and plants. They are sometimes seen feeding in small groups. These animals are mainly active at night and do not hibernate.
Snowshoe Hares may have up to 4 litters in a year which average 2 to 4 young. Males compete for females and females may breed with several males.
[edit] References
- Lagomorph Specialist Group (1996). Lepus americanus. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 06 May 2006. Database entry includes a brief justification of why this species is of least concern
