Since the rabbits hang around my yard quite a bit , I get to make interesting observations and then curiosity makes me look things up. This last while one animal has made my yard his/her location for the day. They are not very active in the day as they rest and groom.
So two weeks ago I started noticing small changes in color of the rabbit's coat. All winter the jack rabbits have had a very thick white coat. The white coat is great as it provides warmth and camouflage in the winter snow.
So I got thinking about what makes the process happen. It's primarily a molting process. The photo period provides the start of the molting process. So changing light causes hormones to do their work. Biology continues the process.
So now the big white coat is falling off. I find large tufts of white fur around my yard. A new summer coat is growing in which will be a brown/gray which provides camouflage in a summer environment. It is also much cooler and prevents the animal from overheating.
The change in molt is slow but is never the less happening.
So it's sort of like humans in reverse. :-) It must be so much fun watching those rabbits. I only see feral cats or chickens.
ReplyDeleteThe problems come when change of light doesn't coincide with change of weather
ReplyDeleteYou could have a new pillow if you invited the rabbits inside for a day! Linda in Kansas
ReplyDeleteI would like to see the jack rabbits with their thick white coat.
ReplyDeleteThe bunnies here are mostly a tan or brown color.
Take care, have a great day and a happy weekend.
It is so interesting that you are able to observe 'your' rabbit changing colour. Not many people have that opportunity.
ReplyDeleteNature is so amazing, Red!
ReplyDeleteI didn't know if came from a molt. Very cool and thank you.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Ellen. How do such adaptations happen? It's remarkable.
ReplyDeleteSpring is on its way!
ReplyDeleteIf you collected up all the tufts of white rabbit fur, maybe Jean could knit you a nice balaclava for wintertime. With a bobble on top it would look pretty stylish.
ReplyDeleteAmazing to see, I bet.
ReplyDeleteSo that explains the little bits of white fluff I have seen but had no idea what it was!
ReplyDeleteThat rabbit’s trading winter white
ReplyDeleteFor something more “spring fashion” right.
No tailor needed, no fitting room,
Just shed, regrow… and poof, new costume!
😊
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ReplyDeleteHow amazing dear Red 👍
ReplyDeleteWisdom present in nature is astonishing and flawless I must say 🥰