Snowshoe Hare (lepus americanus)

The snowshoe hare is a northern species of rabbit that lives throughout Minnesota, northern states, Canada and Alaska. They are most commonly found in fields, swamps, thickets and other areas with low-lying, thick vegetation. The snowshoe hare gets it name from its oversized rear feet, which are excellent for bounding across snow.

The snowshoe hare, like most rabbits, are heavily hunted upon by predators. Up to 85% of snowshoe hares do not live past one year of age. Lucky hares may live up to 5 years of age in the wild. On the other hand, the snowshoe hare is quite prolific, breeding several times a year with 6-8 rabbits in each litter. This sometimes results in overpopulation, with thousands of hares in a single square mile.

Hares are typically solitary animals, but may live in high densities, individuals having over-lapping territories. These territories are criss-crossed with beaten down trails, which the hares know extremely well. Hares are good swimmers and will not hesitate to enter water to avoid a predator.

Hares have excellent hearing and are very quiet creatures. This makes even more starting the frightening squealing they make if captured, which may shock the predator into dropping its prey. Hares can communicate with each other by thumping their hind feet upon the ground.

The hare is quick-footed and skillful at evading predators. When it sights or hears a predator, it will freeze. Because its fur "molts" over the seasons (white in the winter, brown in the summer), it can easily disappear into the background. If this tactic does not work, it can run up to 27 mph, instantly change direction at high speed, and even leap up to 10 feet in a single bound.