The snowshoe hare, known scientifically as Lepus americanus, is a mammal. Its common name, “snowshoe,” derives from the unique structure of its hind feet, which are well-suited for navigating snowy terrains. This species plays a significant role in northern forest ecosystems, influencing vegetation through browsing and serving as a primary food source for predators.
Geographic Range
Snowshoe hares are found across North America, from Canada and Alaska south into the northern regions of the contiguous United States. Their distribution extends throughout all Canadian provinces and territories, primarily within the boreal forest and its southern extensions. In the United States, their range reaches as far south as northern California, northern New Mexico, northern Minnesota, northern Michigan, and northern New Jersey. Isolated populations also exist in mountainous areas, including the Appalachian Mountains and the Sierra Nevada.
Specific Habitat Preferences
Within their extensive geographic range, snowshoe hares prefer environments with dense cover and abundant forage. They are found in coniferous and mixed forests, and areas with thick undergrowth. These environments, such as cedar bogs, swamps, and riverside thickets, provide protection from predators and harsh weather. A dense understory, whether young trees or tall shrubs, is a key factor determining habitat quality. This dense vegetation allows hares to remain concealed while foraging and resting.
Adaptations for Living There
Snowshoe hares have several adaptations for their snowy, forested habitats. Their large hind feet, covered with stiff hairs, allow them to move effectively across deep snow without sinking. This foot structure also provides insulation and traction on icy surfaces.
Their seasonal fur color change is another adaptation, molting twice a year from rusty brown/gray in summer to pure white in winter. This camouflage helps them blend with their surroundings, protecting them from predators. Hares also have acute hearing and are primarily active at dawn, dusk, and throughout the night, which helps them detect approaching predators.
Seasonal Habitat Adjustments
Snowshoe hares adjust their behavior and habitat use with changing seasons. Their diet shifts between summer and winter. In warmer months, they eat herbaceous plants, grasses, ferns, and leaves. As winter approaches and snow covers ground vegetation, their diet shifts to woody browse, including twigs, buds, and bark.
They may move between winter and summer ranges based on food and cover availability. They use denser coniferous stands in winter for cover and expand into mixed-vegetation areas in summer when deciduous browse is available.