Mammals of the Table Rocks

Black-tailed Jackrabbit

Lepus californicus

Lepus californicus

I was originally called a "jackass rabbit," after my very large ears. Like other jacks, I am not really a rabbit but a hare. My young are born well furred and with their eyes open.

By day, I rest in dense vegetation, and become active in late afternoon. In summer, I eat many kinds of plants, favoring alfalfa when available. In winter, I depend on woody and dried vegetation.

When alarmed, I remain very still, but may move my ears to catch sounds. I rarely walk, but hop five to 10 feet at a time, up to 20 feet when panicked, and reach speeds of 30 to 35 mph over short distances. When I run at moderate speeds, every fourth or fifth leap is exceptionally high, to allow for a better view of a pursuing predator. When escaping from a predator, I flash the white underside of my tail, to alert other jacks to danger and confusing my enemy.

I am generally silent, but can squeal and give distinctive calls when fighting or distressed and when assembling my young. Coyotes, Bobcats, foxes, hawks, owls, and snakes are my predators.

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