Snowshoe Hare

Lepus americanus

The Snowshoe Hare is a fluffy rabbit that loves to hop around in snowy places. Its big feet help it walk on top of the snow, and it changes color with the seasons!

Habitat: Forest and tundra

Appearance

The Snowshoe Hare has large, furry back feet and striking fur that changes from reddish-brown in summer to pure white in winter. It has a shorter tail and ears compared to other hares, and often appears stocky.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderLagomorphaFamilyLeporidaeGenusLepus

Snowshoe Hare

Interesting facts

Snowshoe Hares sometimes eat their own soft droppings to get extra nutrients from their food.

Their big ears can swivel all around to hear predators approaching from far away!

These hares are mostly solitary, preferring to live alone in their forest homes.

They communicate danger to other hares by thumping their large back feet on the ground.

Special abilities

Snowshoe Hare can change its fur color from brown to white because of seasonal changes that helps them blend into their surroundings.

Snowshoe Hare has huge, furry back feet that helps them walk on deep snow without sinking and reach food.

Snowshoe Hare can make incredibly fast zig-zag leaps because of powerful leg muscles that helps them escape predators.

Measurements & details

Length: 41-52 cm
Weight: 0.9-2 kg
Lifespan: 3-8 years
Top Speed: 45 km/h
Litter Size: 1-8
Gestation: 35-40 days

Diet & Feeding

These plant-eaters munch on various plants, twigs, and bark, especially in winter.

Primary Foods

twigs
bark
leaves
grasses
buds
berries

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Canada Lynx

Lynx canadensis

a primary food source for lynx

eaten by

Red Fox

Vulpes vulpes

a common predator of hares

eaten by

Great Horned Owl

Bubo virginianus

hunts hares from the sky

depends on

White Spruce

Picea glauca

eats bark and twigs in winter

depends on

Balsam Fir

Abies balsamea

shelters and provides food

Traits

Furry

Find adorable animals covered in a cozy coat of soft fur! Their fur helps them stay warm and protected in different environments.

Solitary

Meet animals that enjoy their independence! These creatures prefer to live by themselves, finding food and shelter on their own.

Burrowing

Dig deep and discover animals that build amazing homes underground! They create tunnels and chambers to stay safe, find food, or escape the weather.

Camouflaged

Look closely for animals that are masters of disguise, blending perfectly into their surroundings! Their colors and patterns help them hide from others.

Herbivorous

Meet the peaceful munchers and grazers who find all their nourishment from plants, leaves, and fruits. They transform plant energy into life!

Tundra

These cold, treeless plains are found in Earth's polar regions and high mountains, where plants and animals are specially adapted to icy conditions.

Forest

These lush habitats are filled with countless trees, offering homes to a huge variety of plants and animals! Immerse yourself in the green canopy.

Speedster

Discover creatures that dart, zip, and fly with incredible swiftness, making them masters of rapid movement in their habitats. They are built for speed, whether chasing prey or escaping danger.