Snowshoe Hare
January 31, 2024
Washington State is home to several species of lagomorphs, the order of mammals consisting of hares, pikas, and rabbits. The Snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus) is the most abundant of these species in the Pacific Northwest’s dense conifer forests, especially at high elevations, but overlaps in distribution with the non-native Eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus) in the lowlands of Western Washington.
Two weeks ago, Wildlife Admissions Specialist Sam Sanchez admitted a young creature that had been found entangled in wire near Index, Washington, on the western slopes of the Cascades. Sam stifled a squeal of surprise when she opened the carrier and saw the distinct coloration and proportions of a fully-grown Snowshoe hare.
Wildlife Rehabilitator Robbie Thorson performed a standard intake exam once the animal had relaxed from the stress of its entanglement. Robbie, one of several certified wildlife rehabilitators working at PAWS, found no significant injuries. This clear bill of health enabled the team to release this patient back in the mountains near Index within just a few days of its arrival at the center.
Snowshoe hares living at high elevations and northern latitudes typically molt their brown summer coat in favor of a white coat that blends in with snow-covered landscapes. During his initial exam, Robbie noted that this hare was still sporting the brown pelage associated with warmer environments. “Climate change may disrupt their camouflage tactics,” explained Robbie, referencing recent field studies on this topic. “If snow doesn’t on time, predators will be presented with bright white rabbits against a green or brown forest floor.”
As with many of the species cared for at PAWS Wildlife Center, human activity is influencing their biology, ecology, and survival in observable ways.
You can learn more about coexisting with rabbits and hares via the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife website: Living with wildlife: Rabbits