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What is a Blacktail Jackrabbit (Lepus californicus)

What is a Blacktailed Jackrabbit

___ Overview

Hard to capture: large hind feet provide traction in sand, ability to leap great distances.

To detect danger, jackrabbits have very long ears that 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.

Jackrabbits are actually hares (young are born fully furred, with eyes open).

Taxonomy

Blacktailed Jackrabbit – Lepus californicus

  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Mammalia
  • Order: Lagomorpha
  • Family: Leporidae
  • Genus: Lepus
  • Species: L. californicus

Size and Body Description

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.

Length

About 24 inches (60 cm) long, including tail about 3.5 inches (8 cm) long

Diet

Woody, dried vegetation in winter; cactus, mesquite, succulent plants

Reproduction

Where Found

Texas to California and from Colorado, Utah, Idaho, and Oregon to the Mexican border

How Long do ___ Live

___ Diet

Water Sources

Protection

USE THIS FOR HOW THEY PROTECT THEMSELVES AND IF THEY ARE A PROTECTED SPECIES

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Additional Photos

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References Used

What is a Blacktail Jackrabbit

transcription of the above sign found at the Valley of Fire Visitor Center.

 

Black Tailed Jackrabbit in the Desert of Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge in Nevada

 

A beautiful black-tailed jackrabbit (Lepus californicus) or American desert hare sits in the sand of Borrego Springs, California

What is a Blacktail Jackrabbit