What is a Blacktailed Jackrabbit
Below is a transcription of the above sign found at the Valley of Fire Visitor Center.
Blacktailed Jackrabbit – Lepus californicus
HABIT
Any terrain with enough plant life to support it.
SIZE/DESCRIPTION
About 24 inches (60 cm) long, including tail about 3.5 inches (8 cm) long.
Long ears with black tips; very large hind feet.
Black stripe above tail gives animal its name.
Color: buff-gray or sandy fur peppered with black; white underside.
Eyes prominent, clear yellowish brown.
FOOD
Woody, dried vegetation in winter; cactus, mesquite, succulent plants
RANGE
Texas to California and from Colorado, Utah, Idaho, and Oregon to the Mexican border.
ADAPTATION FOR SURVIVAL
Hard to capture: large hind feet provide traction in sand, ability to leap great distances.
To detect danger, jackrabbits have very long ears which turn to hear sound from any direction; its bulging eyes cover almost a complete circle at one glance.
Very prolific: two-three litters of 3-6 young produced per year.
COMMENTS
Jackrabbits are actually hares (young are born fully furred, with eyes open).
Leave a Reply