The Black-Tailed Hare or Jackrabbit: A Master of Survival

That ain’t no bunny.

Meet the black-tailed hare, also known as a jackrabbit.

Hares are the stuff of legend. They can trace literary roots across the world to African folktales and are widely referenced in their historic Aesop upset against a tortoise.

Their tales go as far as space, with certain cultures referencing the hare in the moon rather than the man. Even their pseudonym, jackrabbit, spawns from one of the greats in American literature. Mark Twain is rumored to have first coined the term in his book, "Roughing It."   

While they aren't busy being literary legends, they like to box.

Certain species of hare can be seen duking it out on the prairie landscape, particularly around mating season. Balancing on their powerful hind legs, they jab at each other like furry Muhammad Ali’s. Initially it was thought to be a show of dominance, however, females will hop in the ring if they aren’t appreciating a certain hare’s advances.

And as an often-dimorphic group of animals (you’ll remember that means females are larger) she will probably win. Like million dollar jackrabbits. 

While hare populations are quite steady, seeing one can be a challenge because of their vigilance against predators. Nocturnal creatures, hares prefer feeding after the sun sets, often lying low during daylight hours in above-ground nests called forms. These animals are ravenous and will even consume sagebrush and cacti. If you have ever tended a garden, then you have probably witnessed the eating power of their cute cousin.

If you do see one, don’t blink. When motivated to do so this relatively small animal can reach speeds of up to 50 mph. They even have a completely unique joint in the middle of their skull to absorb impact when they take a tumble at high speeds.

The jackrabbit is a guru of survival. As far as instincts go, they have completely mastered the four F’s - fighting, feeding, fleeing, and, well, copulation.

A female hare can produce several litters a year containing as many as six baby hares, termed leverets. Unlike baby rabbits, leverets are born with fur and open eyes. Several weeks from birth, they’re ready to roam.

And they roam alone. Jackrabbits are lone rangers. They can at times be seen in groups (called droves) but more often they are solitary creatures. Even as young hares, mothers separate leverets to better mask them from predators.

Luckily, the estuary hosts a wide range of hare delicacies within a perfect hare environment. Sightings are common, particularly at Jackrabbit Junction, located on South McCoy Trail near Fifth Avenue and Iris Avenue. Keep your eye peeled for iconic, large ears, peppery brown fur and a black stripe down the back.