One of the symbols of the American West, Jackrabbit lives in open areas such as grasslands and deserts. Jackrabbit is actually the name for a Family of Hares-- Black-Tailed, White-Tailed, Antelope (the largest Hare in North America), and White-Sided. The biggest, fastest, and flashiest of this Family is Antelope Jackrabbit, who can outrun run everything except Antelope. Antelope Jackrabbit is also the source of Jackalope (horned rabbit) legends.
Jackrabbit got his name because of his long ears. These oversize ears allow Him to hear the faintest sounds, and as well as to stay cool during the hot day. Since He looked like a Mule, early European settlers called Him “Jackass Rabbit”.
Jackrabbit is well adapted to his life in the open. His brown fur provides camouflage against the vegetation. If spotted by Predators, Jackrabbit runs faster than Race Horse, and leaps over rocks and bushes to evade capture. His eyes on the sides of his head gives Jackrabbit all-around vision, and also help Him to spot danger from any direction.
Clever Jackrabbit zigzags across the desert, and dashes about confounding his pursuers. Often while being chased, He flashes a white patch on his rump. Most hunters say that this is to warn their Dogs that the chase is hopeless.
With his strange ears, Jackrabbit is one of the Animals of the American West that people often remember. One joke that Westerners play on new people is to tell them about the Jackalope (a large Jackrabbit with Antelope horns). The Jackalope is often seen by people who have had too much to drink. Having a sense of humor is what Jackrabbit teaches people. Just don’t be too gullible, or you will be the object of ridicule.
Important Jackrabbit Teaching: Flexible Thinking
“Charming and resourceful, Rabbit makes his way through a world filled with beautiful flowers. He dines on the finest vegetations and drinks the sweet clean water. Rabbit is alert and has the talent to make sound decisions right on the spot. The reason why he can do this is that he considers possible alternatives, and he remains flexible in his thinking.” Copyright: “Wolf Song”, Jeanette Spencer and Lew Hartman.
JACKALOPE ! HORNED RABBIT
Jackalope is an antlered species of Hare, native to the American West. An aggressive Hare, Jackalope is usually seen spearing Buffalo with his horns. Milk from Female Jackalopes is often sought by lonely people for its powers to attract mates. However, the only way to catch Jackalope is to lure Him with whiskey. Once intoxicated, He is slower and easier to hunt.
Besides Jackalope, other Horned Rabbits live in various places of the world -- Raurackl of Austria, Wolpertinger of Bavaria, Skvader of Sweden, and Dilldapp of Switzerland. In Asia, noted Persian scholar al-Qazurini (13th Century) wrote about the “al Muradj”, the Horned Hare. In addition, ancient texts of Buddhism hint at Buddha’s thoughts about Horned Rabbits.
Wolpertinger of Bavaria has a body of a rabbit, but with the feathered wings of a bird. Some of the other Horned Rabbits have fangs and antlers. Unlike Jackalope, They are very shy and hardly ever seen in the wild.
Jackalope and Horned Rabbits teach people about whimsy. Jackalope tells people to look at life less seriously, and to expect merriment every day. Somewhere in the mists of time and space, Jackalope and His Fellow Horned Rabbits romp with impunity and glee.
Note: Actually Horned Rabbits do exist. They are Rabbits with a virus causes tumors to grow on their bodies. The tumors resemble horns.
Note: Hares are larger than Rabbits. Baby Hares are born with open eyes and with fur, while Baby Rabbits are naked and dependent on their Mothers.
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Va. Carper
November 27, 2007