Lepus californicus
Range
They are found in the western U.S. from the west coast east to Nebraska and Texas.Habitat
They live in grassy fields, prairies, desert scrubland and farmland.Body Traits
They are grayish-brown. They are about 2 feet long with long ears that have black tips. They have large feet and very long legs and jump 20 feet. They weigh up to 4 pounds. Females are larger. The black-tailed jackrabbit is really a hare. Rabbits are born helpless and bald, while hares are born with fur and their eyes open.Habits
They rest during the day hidden in the shade and are active late in day and at night. They can run up to 30 miles an hour, often in a zigzag pattern to escape predators.Diet
They eat grasses and woody plants and shrubs, like; creosote bushes, mesquite trees, snakeweeds, junipers, big sagebrushes, and cacti. They can survive a long time without water, getting what they need from the plants they eat.Predators
They are eaten by hawks, coyotes, foxes, bobcats, badgers and weasels.Reproduction
Females are pregnant for 45 days (gestation) having 3-4 young. They can have up to 4 litters a year. Females make a nest of by digging a dent in the ground in a hidden place and lining it with her own fur. Babies only nurse for a few days before they become independent.Lifespan and/or Conservation Status
They live at most 5-6 years in the wild, usually much shorter. They are listed as Lower Risk – least concern.
Classification
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Subphylum: Vertebrata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Lagomorpha
- Family: Leporidae
- Genus: Lepus
- Species: Lepus californicus