Unlike true rabbits, jackrabbits are actually hares—born fully furred and ready to hop within hours. As its name suggests, its distinctive white tail flashes like a signal flag when the animal bounds away from danger. Its long, powerful hind legs and oversized ears make it instantly recognizable, and its ability to sprint at speeds approaching 64 km/h (40 mph) gives it the edge it needs in the predator-rich environments of coyotes, hawks, and foxes.

One of the most striking features of the white-tailed jackrabbit is its seasonal coat. In summer, its fur is brown or grayish, blending perfectly with the grasses and soil of its habitat. In northern parts of its range, the coat turns almost completely white in winter, providing camouflage against the snow. This seasonal adaptation is crucial for survival, helping the hare evade predators in vastly different landscapes throughout the year. Its large ears, meanwhile, serve multiple purposes: they not only give the hare acute hearing to detect threats but also help regulate body temperature by releasing excess heat during the hot summer months.

The white-tailed jackrabbit is primarily nocturnal and crepuscular, most active at dawn, dusk, and nighttime. During the day, it relies on its camouflage, crouching low in shallow depressions called “forms,” where it remains nearly invisible to predators. Its diet shifts with the seasons: in summer, it grazes on grasses, clovers, and herbs, while in winter, it turns to bark, twigs, and shrubs when greenery is scarce. Unlike rabbits that often live in groups, jackrabbits are more solitary, coming together mainly during the breeding season. In spring and summer, males may chase one another in dramatic “boxing matches” to compete for mates, a behavior that adds energy and spectacle to the otherwise quiet plains.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Canada

2018

United States

2018