Where does the black-tailed jackrabbit live?
The black-tailed jackrabbit lives in the western United States and Mexico, from sea level up to 3,000 m. It occupies mixed shrub-grassland terrains. It does not migrate or hibernate during winter, and uses the same habitat, 1.0 to 3.1 km², year-round. It is one of the largest North American hares.
What does the black-tailed jackrabbit eat?
Its diet is composed of various shrubs, small trees, grasses and forbs. Breeding depends on the location: it typically peaks in spring, but may continue all year round in warm climates. Young are born fully furred with eyes open: well camouflaged, they are mobile within minutes of birth, so females do not protect or even stay with the young except during nursing.
Is the black-tailed jackrabbit endangered?
No: the IUCN lists it as Least Concern. The average litter size is around four, but may be as low as two and as high as seven in warm regions. It weighs 1.4 to 2.7 kg, and its very large ears, 11 to 16 cm long, have black tips.
