Lepus othus Merriam, 1900

Beringian hare

Species recognized by The Integrated Taxonomic Information System external link, T Orrell (custodian) in 
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC) external link Showing: scientific names

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General Description

Description

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Smithsonian's North American Mammals external link
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Smithsonian Institution - North American Mammals external link
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Female Alaskan Hares nurse their young for an extended period, providing them with enough nutrition to grow extraordinarily quickly during the short Alaskan summer. There are an average of six furry little hares in a litter, and females usually bear just one litter per year. Alaskan Hares are among the largest hares. Their fur in winter is completely white except for black markings on the tips of the ears, and they molt to a darker summer coat that provides camouflage when the snow melts. They live in alder thickets and seem to ignore rain or snow instead of seeking shelter. Even very young hares in nests are regularly exposed to cold and rain.

Links:
Mammal Species of the World
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References
  • Merriam, C.H., 1900.  Papers from the Harriman Alaska Expedition. I. Descriptions of twenty-six new mammals from Alaska and British North America, p. 28.  Proceedings of the Washington Academy of Sciences, 2:13-30.
"Lepus othus Merriam, 1900". Encyclopedia of Life, available from "http://www.eol.org/pages/971012". Accessed 18 Mar 2010.