Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Wednesday in Wyoming -- December 12, 2012

Does this look like a world-class sprinter?  It's a black-tailed jackrabbit.  (Yes, there's a white-tailed variety which is found throughout Wyoming and which grows a white coat for winter.  The black-tailed one doesn't change color and is found only in the southeastern corner of the state.)

Okay, now that I've told you more than you want to know about jackrabbits, let me assure you that they really are great sprinters.  Although they spend a lot of time resting in small depressions like this one, they can hit speeds of 40 mph and can even outrun faster predators, simply because of their ability to zig-zag without losing speed.  

 Those ears are pretty impressive, aren't they? As  it turns out, they do more than allow them to hear approaching predators.  They also serve as built-in radiators, dissipating heat.  Amazing, at least to me.


3 comments:

  1. I enjoyed reading about this speedster. I love all kinds of rabbits and hares. In a recent hike, my husband and I surprised a snowshoe bunny. He had the biggest, furriest feet I've ever seen on a bunny!

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  2. Carrie -- I'm so glad you enjoyed the pictures. It's fun watching the 'critters' in the yard, although I do wish that the deer wouldn't eat so many plants.

    Dena -- A snowshoe hare must have been quite a sight. Did you manage to get a picture of him? I'd love to see it.

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