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Snowshoe Hare (Varying Hare)
Lepus americanus
What's it sound like? Animal Sound 1
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Identification

A mid-sized hare with large feet and ears. Hind feet spread to form snowshoes for travel on top of deep snow. Fur changes from brown to white in winter for camouflage giving it the alt. name of “varying hare”. Reuse trails and tracks. Irregular landings of forefeet and rear tracks have high variations in form.

Description
Population cycles approximately every decade with food and predatory fluctuations are more pronounced in the northernmost range of this hare. Generally found in thick cover near swamps and variegated hardwood forests within range. Most active in early morning and dusk hours as well as nocturnally throughout the year. As many as five litters of 1-8 babies (leverets) are born annually beginning in late winter after 35-40 day gestations.
Adjective:leverine, leporine
Family: Leporidae
Latin Name: Lepus americanus
Genus: Lepus
Order: Lagomorpha
Group:down, husk, warren
Other Names: Varying Hare, Varying Rabbit, Snowshoe Rabbit
Weight:900-2200 g
Total Length:350-525 mm
Tail Length: 25-60 mm

Track Information

Hind Track

Front Track

Max Print Length (CM):8.5
Min Print Length (CM):8.5
Max Print Width (CM):13
Min Print Width (CM):2.5
Max Print Straddle (CM):25
Min Print Straddle (CM):10
Print Size:Medium
Print Type:Digitigrade
Track Notes:Track Notes: Nails may be present in tracks. Hind much larger than front.

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Mammals of North America