The jackalope, often described as a jackrabbit sporting the horns of an antelope or deer antlers, is an iconic figure in American folklore. This creature of the imagination has captured the public’s fancy as a symbol of the tall tales of the American West. The persistent question of whether this mythical hybrid truly exists continues to fuel curiosity. To understand the jackalope’s reality requires separating cultural fiction from biological possibility, exploring the humorous hoax that popularized its image, and investigating a specific natural phenomenon that may have inspired its centuries-old myth.
Defining the Jackalope: Myth vs. Reality
The definitive answer to whether the jackalope is a real animal is no; it does not exist as a distinct biological species. No zoological classification or scientific evidence supports the existence of a rabbit naturally growing antlers or horns. The creature is a classic “fearsome critter” of North American folklore, intended to entertain and sometimes deceive.
The legend is a popular cultural figure, deeply rooted in the tradition of Western tall tales. The modern American jackalope remains firmly in the category of cryptid—an animal whose existence is suggested but unverified. This tradition of exaggeration and storytelling serves to satisfy the human desire for the bizarre and the unexplained.
The Taxidermy Hoax and Folklore Origins
The widespread, modern image of the jackalope can be traced directly to a specific taxidermy trick. In 1932, two brothers, Douglas and Ralph Herrick, skilled taxidermists in Douglas, Wyoming, popularized the creature. After a hunting trip, the brothers reportedly placed a jackrabbit carcass next to a set of deer antlers, sparking the idea for the mount.
The Herrick brothers created the first mount by grafting deer antlers onto a rabbit body, selling their creation to a local hotel. This initial prank evolved into a commercial enterprise, and Douglas, Wyoming, embraced the legend, proclaiming itself the “Jackalope Capital of the World.” The town continues to issue novelty hunting licenses for the creature, often with humorous restrictions. This cultural acceptance of the hoax, preserved in postcards, souvenirs, and mounted displays across the American West, solidified the jackalope’s place as a uniquely American icon.
The Biological Basis of Rabbit Horns
A biological phenomenon exists that likely inspired historical reports of “horned rabbits.” This natural occurrence is caused by the Shope papillomavirus (SPV), also known as the cottontail rabbit papillomavirus (CRPV). This virus, discovered by Richard E. Shope in the 1930s, is transmitted primarily by biting insects like ticks and mosquitoes.
Infected rabbits, particularly cottontails, develop keratinous tumors on their heads, faces, and sometimes other parts of the body. These wart-like growths are rough, dark, and can elongate, giving the animal the striking appearance of having black horns or antlers. These growths, which are a type of carcinoma, are composed of keratin, the same protein found in hair and fingernails.
While the growths are benign in many cases, they can pose a serious threat to the rabbit’s survival. If the tumors grow large enough or appear around the eyes or mouth, they can obstruct the rabbit’s ability to see or eat. This interference can lead to starvation, which is often the cause of death for afflicted animals. The sight of these naturally occurring, horned rabbits in the wild provides a scientific explanation for the centuries-old folklore of the horned hare.