The Snowshoe Hare (Lepus americanus), also called the Varying Hare, is a species of hare found in North America. It has the name "snowshoe" because of the large size of its hind feet and the marks its tail leaves. The animal's feet prevent it from sinking into the snow when it hops and walks. Its feet also have fur on the soles to protect it from freezing temperatures. For camouflage, its fur turns white during the winter and rusty brown during the summer. Its flanks are white year-round. The Snowshoe Hare is also distinguishable by the black tufts of fur on the edge of its ears. Its ears are shorter than those of most other hares.
Ten Facts about Snowshoe Hare
- Snowshoe hares are quick and agile, able to move as fast as 43 kph (27 mph).
- They can leap 3 m (10 ft) in one jump and change direction quickly to escape predators. They are also good swimmers.
- Can live up to 3 years in the wild.
- There diet consist, In the summer they eat greens, grass, and flowers. In the winter, buds, twigs, and bark.
- Many predators including owls, hawks, lynx, coyotes, wolves, foxes, marten, mountain lions, bobcats, weasels, and humans.
- Can be found in Fields, swamps, thickets, woodlands, and other areas with lots of undergrowth; found throughout Canada and northern United States.
- Breeding generally begins in late December to January and lasts until July or August.
- The gestation period is 35 to 40 days; most studies report 37 days as the average length of gestation.
- Weaning occurs at 25 to 28 days except for the last litter of the season which may nurse for 2 months or longer.
- The life span is about 3-4 years.
