Black-tailed Jackrabbit
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Order: Lagomorpha Family: Leporidae Genus: Lepus
Species: Lepus californicus
Despite its name, the Black-tailed Jackrabbit is not a species of rabbit, but is actually a true hare, meaning that it is longer and more muscular than a rabbit. Its offspring are born with fur and open eyes while the offspring of rabbits are not. It prefers to live in an arid, scrubby environment. When confronted by a predator, it freezes in the hope that its camouflage will keep it hidden. However, if it is flushed out it will run away, leaping about 20 feet per bound, and reaching speeds of up to 35 miles per hour. It does not dig tunnels underground, but it may create a depression in which to lie down. The Black-tailed Jackrabbit is very damaging to crops, orchards, and young trees. Since its predators such as the Texas Plains Coyote have become scarcer, its population has risen dramatically.
Conservation status: Least concern
Description: Larger and leaner than rabbits; large ears; long legs; tannish-brown to grey fur with a black stripe down the center of the back
Size: Ranges from 19 to 25 inches in length
Diet: Grasses, twigs, cacti, and sagebrush
Habitat: Scrubland, brushland, farmland, and areas with short grass
Credit source: Animal Diversity Web
