featuring the photography of Paul & Joyce Berquist
Antelope Jackrabbit Lepus alleni
The antelope jackrabbit is found in the desert valleys and grasslands of southern Arizona. It is large with white ears, buffy-white body and a conspicuous white rump patch that it “aims” as it lopes away. Its tail is white underneath and black above. The most distinctive feature it possesses is the large rump patch of long white hair, which it can move from one flank to the other. Although the purpose of this eye-catching flag is not known, it is possibly used to confuse predators and that gives the jackrabbit extra time to escape. The coyote is its main predator. Although the antelope jackrabbit is able to outrun most pursuers, it will usually attempt to evade detection rather than leave its resting place. Normally, the jackrabbit will sit quietly with its ears erect. When an intruder is at a very close range, it will lay its ears slowly back along its shoulders and freeze in position. It will remain this way until it is driven from the resting place or when the enemy leaves. If it decides to run, the jackrabbit will raise its ears, and in a second, take flight. The jackrabbit mainly eats grasses, herbs and cactus pads.
The antelope jackrabbit is found in the desert valleys and grasslands of southern Arizona. It is large with white ears, buffy-white body and a conspicuous white rump patch that it “aims” as it lopes away. Its tail is white underneath and black above. The most distinctive feature it possesses is the large rump patch of long white hair, which it can move from one flank to the other. Although the purpose of this eye-catching flag is not known, it is possibly used to confuse predators and that gives the jackrabbit extra time to escape. The coyote is its main predator. Although the antelope jackrabbit is able to outrun most pursuers, it will usually attempt to evade detection rather than leave its resting place. Normally, the jackrabbit will sit quietly with its ears erect. When an intruder is at a very close range, it will lay its ears slowly back along its shoulders and freeze in position. It will remain this way until it is driven from the resting place or when the enemy leaves. If it decides to run, the jackrabbit will raise its ears, and in a second, take flight. The jackrabbit mainly eats grasses, herbs and cactus pads.
