White-tailed jackrabbit

Description

White-tailed jackrabbit is the largest member of the rabbit or hare family (Leporidae) in Minnesota.

In summer, the fur is brownish-gray above and white or pale gray below. In winter the fur is white or pale gray except for a black patch at the tip of each ear.

The tail is usually white above and below, sometimes mostly white above and white below.

Size

Total length: 22″ to 25″

Head and body: 18″ to 22″

Tail: 2½″ to 4″

Sign

Similar Species

Eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus) is much smaller, no more than 19″ in total length including the tail. It does not turn white in winter.

Snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus) is smaller, no more than 20″ in total length including the tail. The tail is dark above and white below. It inhabits woods, thickets, and coniferous swamps and bogs.

Habitat

Open grassy areas

Ecology

Behavior

They are active at night (nocturnal) and in twilight (crepescular).

Lifespan

5 to 8 years

Life Cycle

Food

A large variety of grasses, forbs, and shrubs in summer. Bark and twigs if woody plants and coniferous foliage in winter.