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What are some adaptations of a snowshoe hare?

What are some adaptations of a snowshoe hare?

Snowshoe hares have an interesting adaptation that helps protect them against predators. Depending on the season, their fur can be a different color. During the winter, snowshoe hares are white, which helps them blend in with the snow. When the seasons change to spring and summer, snowshoe hares turn a reddish-brown.

What are some physical characteristics of snowshoe hare?

Hares are a bit larger than rabbits, and they typically have taller hind legs and longer ears. Snowshoe hares have especially large, furry feet that help them to move atop snow in the winter. They also have a snow-white winter coat that turns brown when the snow melts each spring.

What are structural adaptations do snowshoe hares have?

The hind legs of a snowshoe hare are noticeably larger, and have more fur and larger toes than those of other rabbits or hares. These adaptations provide additional surface area and support for walking on snow. The hind legs are what give the hare its common name.

What is the enemy of a snowshoe hare?

The hare is also food for many meat-eating animals. Its enemies are the wolf, fox, coyote, wolverine, fisher, weasel, hawk or owl. Lynxes also eat snowshoe hares. The enemy needs to be very fast to catch this mammal. The hare leaps over the ground twisting its body into the air and instantly changing directions.

What is a behavioral adaptation for a snowshoe hare?

Snowshoe hares have an interesting adaptation that helps protect them against predators. Depending on the season, their fur can be a different color. During the winter, snowshoe hares are white, which helps them blend in with the snow. When the seasons change to spring and summer, snowshoe hares turn a reddish-brown.

What are the behaviors of a snowshoe hare?

Snowshoe hares are nocturnal and always have their food at night

  • and creating obstructions with leaves to ward off predators
  • They can swim extremely well and jump in the water in order to run away from predators