GHILLIE WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT
Jack Rabbit Identification:
Most commonly seen in Alberta is the Whitetailed Jackrabbit. Not actually a rabbit at all as the name suggests, but a hare.
Hares have large, long ears, long legs, and a larger body size than rabbits. The whitetail jackrabbit weighs 5 to 10 pounds (2.2 to 4.5 kg). It has distinctive, large, grey ears with black tips, which are chestnut brown and white on the inside; and the long, powerful hind legs characteristic of hares. The back, flanks, and limbs are dark brown or greyish-brown and the underparts are pale grey. The tail is white with a dark central stripe above. Females are slightly larger than males. In northern populations, this hare molts in the autumn and becomes white all over except for its ears. They can live 3 to 5 years and have a top speed of 55KM/h.
Problems Jack Rabbits may cause:
Hares consume 1/2 to 1 Kg (1.1 to 2.2 lb) of green vegetation each day. Significant damage occurs when hare concentrations are attracted to orchards, gardens, ornamentals, or other agricultural crops. Damage may be temporary and usually occurs when natural vegetation is dry. Green vegetation may be severely damaged during these dry periods. Orchards and ornamental trees and shrubs are usually damaged by overbrowsing, girdling, and stripping of bark. This type of damage is most common during winter in northern areas. Rangeland overbrowsing and overgrazing can occur any time jackrabbit numbers are high. Eight jackrabbits are estimated to eat as much as one sheep.