The Black-Tailed Jackrabbit
Note: All photos were taken along JRR.An exciting feature of JRR is the significant population of black-tailed jackrabbits, Lepus californicus. Located in the “urban wildland island” of JRR, this hare provides a unique opportunity for Tri-Citians to observe a listed Species of Concern without leaving town. The JRR Natural Area Project strives to preserve and protect the habitat of this hare.
Fun Facts
| Source: Ballenger, L. 1999. "Lepus californicus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web | ||
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As they are true hares, black-tailed jackrabbits are
lankier and leaner than rabbits, have longer ears and legs, and the
leverets are born fully-furred and open-eyed. Black-tailed jackrabbits
possess a characteristic black stripe down the center of the back,
a black rump patch, and the tail is black dorsally. Both sexes look
alike, but the female is the larger of the two sexes. Black-tailed jackrabbit males and females leap after, chase, and behave aggressively towards each other during a brief courtship phase before mating. |
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Females only nurse their offspring for 2-3 days and are not seen with their young after that time. Lifespan in captivity is 5-6 years, but rabbits in the wild often die much sooner. |
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| Grasses and herbaceous matter are their preferred foods. Jackrabbits eat almost constantly and consume large quantities relative to their size. They obtain nearly all the water they need from the plant material they consume. |  |
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As with all hares, the black-tailed jackrabbit relies on speed and camouflage (along with the characteristic "freeze" behavior) for their defense. When flushed from cover, they can spring 20 feet at a bound and reach top speeds of 30-35 mph over a zigzag course. | |
Species of Concern
Source: Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife
| Species of Concern in Washington include all State
Endangered, Threatened, Sensitive, and Candidate species. Species
of Concern also include Federal Endangered, Threatened, and Candidate
fish stocks.
Species of Concern are also considered priority
species. The Priority Habitats and Species (PHS) Program
is the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife primary means
of transferring fish and wildlife information from our resource
experts to those who can protect habitat. PHS information is used,
in part, by a majority of cities and counties to meet the requirements
of the Growth
Management Act. |
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