Black-tailed Jackrabbit

Identification

The black-tailed jackrabbit is one of the largest North American hares, reaching around 2 feet in length and weighing between 3 and 6 pounds. Like all jackrabbits, it is immediately recognizable by its distinctively long ears and powerful hind legs built for rapid acceleration and sustained running. Its dorsal fur is agouti—a dark buff peppered with black—while the undersides and insides of the legs are creamy white. The ears are black-tipped on their outer surfaces but unpigmented inside, and the tail features a striking black stripe that continues up the spine for a few inches. The ventral surface of the tail is grey to white. Females are noticeably larger than males, though there are no other significant differences between the sexes.

Range & Habitat

The black-tailed jackrabbit is the most widely distributed jackrabbit species across North America. Native populations range from central Washington east to Missouri and south to Baja California Sur and Zacatecas, Mexico. The species thrives at elevations from sea level up to 10,000 feet. Its range is currently expanding eastward across the Great Plains, and introduced populations now exist in southern Florida and along the coasts of Maryland, New Jersey, and Virginia.

Black-tailed jackrabbits favor mixed shrub-grassland habitats, particularly shrubland-herb mosaics rather than pure stands of single vegetation types. They are common in sagebrush, creosotebush, and other desert shrublands, as well as in palouse, shortgrass, and mixed-grass prairies, desert grassland, open-canopy chaparral, and oak and pinyon-juniper woodlands.

Behaviour & Diet

These hares are year-round residents that neither migrate nor hibernate, maintaining a consistent home range of 0.4 to 1.2 square miles regardless of season. Breeding patterns vary by location, typically peaking in spring but continuing year-round in warmer climates. Young are born fully furred with eyes already open and are well camouflaged and mobile within minutes of birth. Litters average around four individuals, though they may range from two to seven in warm regions. Female jackrabbits do not protect or remain with their young except during nursing periods.

Their diet shifts seasonally: shrubs comprise the bulk of fall and winter diets, while grasses and forbs dominate in spring and early summer, though specific plant species vary with local climate. Black-tailed jackrabbits are crucial prey for numerous raptors and carnivorous mammals, including eagles, hawks, owls, coyotes, foxes, and wild cats. They commonly host ectoparasites such as fleas, ticks, lice, and mites.

Best Time & Places to See It

Black-tailed jackrabbits are common throughout their range, making them relatively reliable to encounter in suitable habitat. Spring is an excellent season to observe them, particularly during breeding season when activity levels are elevated. Desert and grassland environments—especially sagebrush scrublands and mixed-grass prairies—offer the best opportunities. Early morning and evening hours, when jackrabbits are most active, provide optimal viewing conditions.

Photography Tips

The jackrabbit's striking silhouette and distinctive ears make it a rewarding photographic subject. Capture images during golden hour (early morning or late evening) to highlight the contrast between their dark dorsal fur and pale undersides. The species' exceptional speed means patient stalking or waiting near active feeding areas will yield better results than pursuit. Frame shots to emphasize the characteristic long ears and powerful hind legs, which define the species' form. When photographing in open grasslands or desert habitat, use the sparse vegetation and open terrain to isolate your subject against the landscape.