The snowshoe hare is famous for its dramatic seasonal color change (white in winter, brown in summer) and its 10-year population cycle that drives the ecology of the boreal forest. Fewer hares = fewer lynx, owls, foxes.

Also called: Varying Hare, Snowshoe Rabbit

Native status: Native; widespread in boreal forests and mountains

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 36–52 cm (14–20 in); hind feet 11–14 cm — proportionally largest hind feet of any US hare
Weight1.2–1.6 kg (2.6–3.5 lb)
LifespanWild typically 1–5 years
OrderLagomorpha
FamilyLeporidae

§ Encyclopedia

The snowshoe hare, also called the varying hare or snowshoe rabbit, is a species of hare found in North America. It has the name "snowshoe" because of the large size of its hind feet. The animal's feet prevent it from sinking into the snow when it hops and walks. Its feet also have fur on the soles to protect it from freezing temperatures.

Source: Wikipedia — Snowshoe hare Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Medium-large hare. Summer: rusty-brown back, white belly, brownish ear tips. Winter: pure white except black ear tips. Always shows large, heavily-furred hind feet that act as "snowshoes."

Similar species. Cottontail rabbits (smaller, no seasonal coat change, smaller hind feet). Arctic Hare (larger, more uniformly white year-round in Arctic).

Voice. Generally silent; high-pitched scream when seized.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Summer: green vegetation (grasses, forbs, leaves). Winter: bark, twigs, buds of woody plants — especially aspen, willow, birch, fir.

Behavior. Population cycles in classic 8–11 year boom-bust pattern (textbook example of predator-prey cycles, paired with Canada Lynx). Coat turns pure white in winter and dark brown in summer — a photoperiodic trigger, NOT temperature. Climate change is causing "mismatched" winters: snow melts earlier but hares stay white into spring, becoming highly visible to predators.

§ Range

Boreal Canada, northern US, mountain ranges south to New Mexico

§ Habitat

Boreal and montane forests with dense understory

§ Threats

Climate-driven snowpack mismatch — they molt to white based on day length, but warmer winters leave them white against bare ground.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the snowshoe hare is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Support climate action. Maintain large blocks of forest with dense undergrowth. Avoid disturbing winter habitat.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • National Park Service
  • Kluane Project (Yukon)
  • University of Alaska Fairbanks
  • IUCN Red List 2019