Hare Color

The snowshoe hare ( Lepus americanus ) takes its name from its well-furred, large hind feet that allow it to travel over across deep snow. Also called the "varying hare”, the snowshoe's coat changes color with the seasons. During the summer, the hare is colored rusty brown with black on the upper surface of the tail and ear tips, and grayish white on the underside of the tail and belly. In the late autumn, the hare begins to molt its summer coat, replacing the long guard hairs with white. However, the underfur remains brown throughout the year. This process lasts about 10 weeks, with the white hair first appearing on the ears and feet. In spring, the animal molts again, replacing its white coat with brown.

Today's photo is courtesy of Harry Walker.

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