Rare Snowshoe Hare
Jonathon Dietz, of Corry, shot this winter white phase snowshoe hare on December 28. Jon was hunting in Wildlife Management Unit 2F. Snowshoe hares can reach lengths of nearly 20 inches and can weigh close to five pounds.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission released more than 33,000 snowshoe hares in the state from 1918 to 1981 because of declining numbers. Pennsylvania is located within the snowshoe hare’s southernmost North American range.
Snowshoe hares are also called varying hares or snowshoe rabbits. Athough the snowshoe hare is closely related to the more common cottontail rabbit, it is a separate species. The snowshoe hare’s Latin name is Lepus americanus.
Snowshoes have two color variations. In summer the snowshoe hare will display a brown pelt. By winter, the brown fur will have fallen out and be replaced snow white fur. The white color variation will last throughout the winter and will return to brown by the next summer.
Snowshoe hare adapt to traveling in winter by growing coarse long hair over their wide feet. These “snowshoes”, for which this animal is named, are situated at the ends of exceptionally large hind legs. These long legs can carry the snowshoe hare at speeds of up to 30 mph and also can allow it to leap as far as 10 feet in a single bound.
Habitat changes have caused snowshoe hare populations to decline in recent years. With increasing deer populations and maturing forests, it is becoming difficult for hares to find food and hiding places. Climate changes have also affected snowshoe hare populations. In recent years, warmer weather has reduced the duration of snow cover. This makes it more difficult for a white hare to blend in with its surroundings and makes them easier for predators to find.
For more information on the snowshoe hare in Pennsylvania, please go to: Snowshoe hare
0 评论: