___ 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
Comments
Additional Photos
Related Content
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