Art by Jackie Blurton
Nature Note by Dr. Roland Shook
Soft fur, long legs and ears, and short tails distinguish hares and rabbits. The larger species are called hares or jackrabbits and the smaller ones are called rabbits or cottontails. Hares generally like open country and do not live in burrows, while rabbits prefer shrubby cover, and occupy burrows.
Four species of jackrabbits are native to the open arid regions of the western plains and deserts. These interesting animals are able to leap more than ten feet while running at full speed. This adaptation allows escape from their number one predator, the coyote.
Jackrabbits are named for their long jackass-like ears, which are adapted for hearing but also for temperature regulation. During hot summer days jackrabbits rest in the shade while their highly vascularized ears serve as radiators allowing heat to escape to the environment.
Like other members of the family, jackrabbits are entirely vegetarian. Shrubs, grasses, and weedy plants compose their principal diet, although almost any green plant is likely to be eaten.
