Black-tailed Jackrabbit

Physical Description

• Size: Black-tailed Jackrabbits are large, measuring 18 to 25 inches in length and weighing between 3 to 6 pounds.
 • Coloration: They have a buff gray body, a black stripe running down the top of the tail, and black markings on their long ears.
 • Ears and Legs: Their ears are exceptionally long, about 4 to 5 inches, helping with thermoregulation in their hot desert habitat. Their powerful hind legs allow them to leap distances of 10 feet and reach speeds of up to 30 mph.

Behavior

• Movement: Jackrabbits use a galloping gait when moving quickly and can make sudden turns to evade predators.
 • Diet: They are herbivores, primarily feeding on grasses and other vegetation. Their diet changes seasonally based on what is available.
 • Breeding: Black-tailed Jackrabbits can breed several times a year, with females capable of having several litters annually, each with one to six young.

Habitat

• They are commonly found in the western United States, thriving in desert scrub, prairies, farmlands, and dunes where cover is available to hide from predators.

Adaptations

 • Ears: The large ears not only aid in hearing predators but also help regulate body temperature in the extreme heat of their environment.
 • Coloration: Their coloration provides camouflage against the sandy and rocky terrain, helping them to blend into their surroundings to avoid predators.

Black-tailed Jackrabbits are key species in their ecosystems. They serve as prey for a variety of predators and play a role in the food web. Observing these animals can provide insights into the health of the open and arid ecosystems where they live.