CALIFORNIA JACK RABBITS

PHOTOS

Jackrabbits are really hares, not rabbits. Hares are larger than rabbits, and they typically have taller hind legs and longer ears. Jackrabbits were named for their ears, which initially caused some people to refer to them as "jackass rabbits."

The California Jack Rabbit is strictly herbivorous. They graze and browse and prefer grasses and forbs but will eat almost any vegetation that grows in their habitat 12 to 20 inches above the ground. Roughly 65% of their diet is shrub and the remaining percentage is succulent parts, leaves and stems. They can consume very large quantities of grasses and plants. Their diet changes with the availability for food sources by season.

They take cover in shrubs and their young are beneath vegetation that provides some overhead cover. As in other hares no special nest structure is built. A water supply is not necessary, but they will drink water if available.

The California Jackrabbit breeds throughout the year, with the greatest number of births occurring from April through May. The gestation period is about 43 days producing up to 4 litters of 3-4 young per year. A one-year-old female may produce 14, or more, young per year. Baby California Jackrabbits are weaned at about 3 weeks. Populations may fluctuate in 3-6-yr intervals, and may increase up to 9-fold in some areas. Adult Jackrabbits are mostly solitary, except when mating and raising young.

They are fast animals capable and can reach speeds of up to 40 miles an hour. Their powerful hind legs can propel them on leaps of over ten feet. They use these leaps and a zigzagging style to avoid capture by their many predators.