| Scientific Name: |
Lepus americanus |
| Conservation Status: |
Least concern |
| Natural Location: |
North America |
|
| |
The Snowshoe Hare has specially
adapted rear feet for walking and running on the
snow. Their rear feet have a larger than normal
surface area which helps them stay on top of the
snow surface. This is where the name Snowshoe
comes from.
The Snowshoe Hare's fur changes color with the
seasons. In the winter it is solid white so that
it blends into the snow. In the summer everything
except for its belly turns brown so that it blends
in better with the ground. Because of this ability
to change colors so drastically it is also known
as the Varying Hare. Even when their fur is completely
white there are small areas of black fur at the
very tip of their ears.
|
| |
