Black-Tailed Jackrabbit
Pound for pound, the black-tailed jackrabbit is the greatest of
all Oklahoma long-jump champions.
A large mammal weighing between four and seven pounds, the
black-tailed jackrabbit (Lepus californicus) is not really a
rabbit, but a hare. It has a buff gray body above, white below,
and a black stripe down the center of its back. Its most
distinguishable features are its black-tipped ears, which
measure between five to seven inches in length, as well as its
black-top tail.
Black-tailed jackrabbits can be seen statewide, but they are
most common in western Oklahoma. They got their name from early
settlers of the southwest who called them “jackass rabbits”
because of their large ears. Today, they are commonly called
jacks, black-tailed jacks and blacktails.
Adapted to Oklahoma’s open landscapes, black-tailed jackrabbits
live in brushy areas, prairies, meadows, dunes, and cultivated
fields. They often prefer grazed pastures with a few shrubs or
small trees. This habitat makes it easier to spot predators such
as coyotes, foxes, badgers, bobcats, and red-tailed hawks; for
which they are favorite prey.
Because of their advanced sense of smell, large rotating ears,
and eyes set far back on their heads, black-tailed jackrabbits
are superbly adapted to life in open areas. Ever alert,
jackrabbits rest in shallow depressions beneath small trees or
shrubs during the day. They only leave their hiding places
toward evening.
When flushed from cover, jackrabbits rely on their speed and
jumping ability to escape predators. They can leap distances of
up to 20 feet and run as fast as 40 miles per hour, often
sprinting in a zig-zag pattern. When running, they flash the
white underside of their tails to warn other jackrabbits and
jump exceptionally high every few leaps to see their
surroundings and confuse their pursuer.
Unlike true rabbits, whose young are born helpless and without
fur, jackrabbit leverets are born fully furred with open eyes
and plenty of energy.
Jackrabbit populations experience drastic fluctuations every
three to 10 years. Populations increase to great abundance and
then suddenly decrease for unknown reasons, but disease, food
shortages or an increase in predators may contribute. In some
years, nearly 90 percent of the western population of blacktails
may perish, but they recover quickly because they are such
prolific breeders. A female jackrabbit may bear three to four
litters per year with up to eight young per litter. Leverets
reach adult size and are able to breed in about seven to eight
months.
Black-tailed jackrabbits eat twigs and bark of woody plants
during fall and winter, and grasses and weeds during spring and
summer. They get most of their water from succulent plants.
Jackrabbits eat constantly and are particularly fond of alfalfa.
When populations are at average numbers, black-tailed
jackrabbits may complement livestock grazing. They eat grasses
that are undesirable to cattle, as well as some poisonous
plants, thus reducing poisonous plant cover. On the other hand,
large jackrabbit populations can compete with cattle and
overgraze ranges, but its need for high visibility generally
leads to higher densities in range land that is in fair
condition. The best way to minimize the competition between
black-tailed jackrabbits and livestock for forage is to keep
range lands in good to excellent condition.
Black-tailed jackrabbits are a symbol of western grasslands.
When afield, hunters and nun-hunters alike are quick to smile at
the sight of the leaping long-jumper with the colossal ears
sprinting across the landscape. Whether providing breakfast for
a hungry coyote or exercise for a bobcat, jackrabbits play an
important role in Oklahoma’s wildlife community.