As I was unloading the car I got the sense that something was different with the beast in the planter. I had the camera in the car so decided to take some photos. I got closer and closer and the rabbit didn't move. I was now close enough to have a very good look. It was not a jack rabbit. It was a snowshoe hare.
Now a snowshoe hare being in my yard is a big surprise. Snowshoe hares stay in the bush where there's lots of cover. Snowshoe hares have runs through the underbrush where they are protected and can eat with little disturbance. So with their tendency to stay in the bush I was surprised to see it in my yard. I'm about 800m( 880yds) from natural habitat so it's not as if he just took a little visit to my yard. This guy was out of his territory. This is the third snowshoe hare I've had in my yard over a forty year period.
Snowshoe hares weigh 1-2 kg (2-4 lbs). They have smaller ears than the jack rabbit with a little black on the edges. They can have three litters a year so they have large fluctuations in population.
In my opinion the snowshoe hare is a little cuter than the jackrabbit. The jack rabbit has a rather ugly head. these little guys have a rounder cuter face.
He must have liked your place to stay there for a while.
ReplyDeleteI wish he would come back.
DeleteIt is indeed a beautiful animal. It would be welcome in my garden any time.
ReplyDeleteThese are not the garden variety of bunny. They live in the wild.
DeleteHe is indeed cute! I've never seen one before, Red, so thanks for sharing these pictures. I think he's probably aware that he's safe in your planter. Animals know more than we realize. :-)
ReplyDeleteThese are spread across North america. You probably have a close relative there.
DeleteWhat a cutie. It must know that its buddy Red would protect it! Perhaps it was chased? What a wonderful opportunity for a sighting!
ReplyDeleteThere's not chasing around here. Dogs are very well controlled. Yes, I'll talk nicely to him/her.
DeleteI have some brown rabbits around here but you rarely see them. Too many dogs around for them to hang out.
ReplyDeleteDogs here are well controlled. However, a dog would never catch these characters.
DeleteWhat a gentle and lovely visitor. I would have wanted to keep it, which of course, is a very bad idea.
ReplyDeleteThese characters are completely wild. No amount of niceness will persuade them to be a friend.
DeleteVery, very cute! There must be something about your yard that this critter really likes.
ReplyDeleteI've seen one jackrabbit in 60 years here in Bluff County. They must be extinct her now. Long long ears as I remember...:)
ReplyDeleteHere the jack rabbits have invaded the cities which are an excellent habitat the has food and few predators.
DeleteThis one's got his winter colours ready. I guess it found the shelter convenient.
ReplyDeleteYes stuff here starts to whiten about the beginning of Oct.
DeleteWhat a treat for you! His small ears make him look like domesticated rabbits. I would have thought he was someone's pet.
ReplyDeleteYes, but the coat is definitely winter ...it's really heavy.
Deleteadorable!!
ReplyDeleteThey may be adorable but not cuddly.
DeleteHe is cute...probably looking for roots to eat...good photos Red! :)
ReplyDeleteHe is a cutie, and seems perfectly content to call your place home for a bit.
ReplyDeleteOh what a cute bunny!
ReplyDeleteCute critter ... Thanks for the report and photos.
ReplyDeleteOh yes! That is a really cute hare. It's a lot cuter than the rabbits that run around the yard in Illinois. None of them are white... just gray.
ReplyDelete