The snowshoe hare, Lepus americanus, is a common inhabitant of North American forests, particularly across Canada and the northern United States. This mammal is recognized by its large hind feet, which help it navigate snowy terrain, and its distinctive ability to change fur color with the seasons.
Current Conservation Status
Snowshoe hares are not considered endangered; the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List classifies them as “Least Concern.” This designation indicates the species is widespread and abundant, facing a low extinction risk. While globally secure, snowshoe hare populations can fluctuate across their range, and some regional concerns exist. For instance, a subspecies known as washingtonii is listed on British Columbia’s “red list,” which includes species considered extirpated, endangered, or threatened in that specific area.
Factors Influencing Population
Snowshoe hare populations experience natural fluctuations influenced by several environmental elements. A classic 10-year predator-prey cycle, particularly with the Canada lynx, is well-documented. Hare numbers directly influence lynx populations, with a decline in hares typically leading to a subsequent decline in lynx. Numerous other predators, including coyotes, foxes, bobcats, marten, fisher, mink, and various owls and hawks, also rely on snowshoe hares as a food source.
The availability of suitable habitat also shapes hare populations. Snowshoe hares primarily depend on dense forest undergrowth for cover and food. They often prefer young forests with thick shrub layers, typically 1 to 3 meters tall, which offer protection from both ground and avian predators. This dense cover is more significant for their survival than the specific composition of plant species.
Climate change is an emerging factor affecting snowshoe hare populations, particularly through “phenological mismatch.” This occurs when the hares’ seasonal fur color change, triggered by day length, no longer aligns with the presence of snow on the ground. If snow melts earlier or arrives later, white-coated hares become highly visible against a snowless background, increasing their vulnerability to predators. Studies indicate that this mismatch can decrease weekly survival rates by up to 7%. Projections suggest hare populations could decline significantly by century’s end if they cannot adapt to these changing conditions.
Ecological Role and Adaptations
Snowshoe hares are a central prey species within the boreal forest ecosystem. Their abundance directly impacts the reproductive success and population sizes of their predators.
The snowshoe hare possesses several remarkable physical adaptations for survival. Its seasonal pelage change allows its fur to transition from a rusty brown in summer to a pure white in winter. This transformation, primarily triggered by changes in day length, provides effective camouflage against the changing landscape. Some populations in milder climates, where snow is less frequent, maintain brown fur year-round.
Their large hind feet, which give them their common name, are another adaptation. Densely furred with stiff hairs, these feet spread out like snowshoes to distribute weight. This allows efficient movement over deep snow without sinking, aiding escape from predators or access to elevated food sources.
Monitoring and Management
Scientists and wildlife managers employ various methods to track and assess snowshoe hare populations. Techniques include live trapping, radio-collaring, and observing movement patterns with GPS collars. Non-invasive methods like counting fecal pellets and using camera trap detection rates also provide valuable data for estimating population densities.
Habitat assessments are regularly conducted to understand the quality of environments hares inhabit. Conservation strategies for snowshoe hares often involve maintaining and improving their habitat through sustainable forest management practices. These practices aim to ensure the presence of dense undergrowth and young forest stands that provide the necessary cover and food resources for healthy hare populations.