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Photo by Unknown Photographer
Photo Courtesy of Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
White-tailed Jackrabbit
Lepus townsendii
NatureServe conservation status
Global (G-rank): G5
State (S-rank): S3S4
External links
General information
The white-tailed jackrabbit, Lepus townsendii, is the largest of the hares, growing up to 26 inches and weighing up to nine pounds. In summer, this jackrabbit is a light brownish gray over the back and sides, lighter on the belly. The tail is completely white. In winter, the entire body is usually white, except the tips of the ears and top of the head which are grizzled gray or black. In some areas, it may not turn completely white.
This species inhabits mountains, foothills, and valley areas in northern Utah. It is restricted to higher mountain areas in southern Utah. It is generally found in open areas, even when found at high elevations.
The white-tailed jackrabbit eats forbs, grasses, and the bark and twigs of many shrubs and trees.
This species bares several litters of three to six young during warmer months of the year. The precocial young are scattered around to avoid attracting predators.
The white-tailed jackrabbit is frequently confused with the snowshoe hare because both species turn white during the winter. It is easily distinguished from the snowshoe by its much larger size and relatively long legs and long ears. Its more open habitat contrasts with the coniferous forest habitat of the snowshoe.
Phenology
Active throughout the year. Primarily crepuscular; active in early morning and late afternoon and evening (Armstrong 1975). Reported as nocturnal by Lim (1987).
Species range
Primarily Great Basin and northern Great Plains, from Sierra Nevada east to Mississippi River, and from south-central Canada (south-central British Columbia, central Alberta, Saskatchewan, extreme southwestern Ontario) south to northwestern Missouri (formerly), Kansas (formerly), and northern New Mexico. Range expanded eastward and northward with forest clearing and agricultural expansion. Range has contracted in central plains region and in eastern Washington, where habitats have been altered (through climate warming, cultivation, and/or overgrazing) to favor L. CALIFORNICUS. See map in Lim (1987).
Habitat
Open grasslands and sagebrush plains. At higher elevations found in open areas adjacent to pine forests and in alpine tundra. Rests by day usually in shallow depressions (forms) at base of bush or beside or in cavity in snow. Young are born in a well concealed depression in the ground or in burrows abandoned by other animals.
Food habits
Eats grasses, forbs, and grains in summer. Browses on twigs, buds, and bark in winter. May feed on cultivated crops.
Ecology
Populations known to fluctuate as drastically as in L. AMERICANUS. Usual population density generally is 2-15 per sq km, but reported at up to 71 (Iowa) and 43 (Minnesota) per sq km. Generally solitary but sometimes aggregates (Lim 1987).
Reproductive characteristics
Breeds late February to mid-July in North Dakota; up to 4 litters/year; in north, breeds May-early July; 1 litter/year; gestation lasts 5-6 weeks; litter size 1-11; young independent in about 2 months (Lim 1987).
Threats or limiting factors
Loss of prairie habitat to agriculture has led to declines in some areas.
References
- Text modified from: Rawley, E. V., W. J. Bailey, D. L. Mitchell, J. Roberson, and J. Leatham. 1996. Utah upland game. Publication number 63-12. Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, Salt Lake City.
