Lepus americanus

Description

Coat is white in the winter and dark brown in the summer to blend in with its surroundings; has large feet and relatively small ears. Secretive, tends to be more active at night; sits in sheltered spots under logs or vegetation during the day and dozes or grooms.

Habitat

Swamps, forests, thickets, and mountainous regions.

Diet

Eats twigs, buds, bark, and frozen meat in the winter; herbaceous plants and leaves in the summer.

Range

Found in every province and territory of Canada, Alaska, northeastern United States, and in portions of the rest of the northern United States; extends further south into the United States along the Appalachian mountains, the Rocky Mountains, and the Cascade mountains.

Other Useful Information

An important small game and prey mammal. Can leap up to 3 meters in one bound and can travel as fast as 45 km/hr.

Similar Species

Arctic Hare, Tundra Hare, Whitetail Jackrabbit, Cottontail, Blacktail Jackrabbit, European Hare