Facilitating the protection and restoration of species and ecosystems at risk on BC’s South Coast
Snowshoe Hare, washingtonii ssp.
Lepus americanus washingtonii
Lepus
americanus
washingtonii
A member of the family Leporidae (rabbits and hares). Little is known about this subspecies biology and much is inferred from the species in other areas of BC. Genetic research indicates that L. a. washingtonii appears to form part of a Pacific Northwest group distinct from other hare populations.
Unlike other populations in BC and North America, the washingtonii subspecies does not undergo a characteristic seasonal colour morph to white in the winter. The head, back and upper parts of the legs are covered in short, brown to cinnamon pelage (fur) with somewhat coarser, white tipped outer hairs on the back and sides. The tips of the toes, chest, belly, chin and insides of the legs have varying patches of white. The outer margins of the ears are lined with black and white. The hind feet (from which the species derives its name) are distinctively large and have thick fur on the undersides instead of bare toe pads. Hind foot length averages >11cm from heel to toe-tip. Leverets (young hares) resemble dwarf versions of adults.
Download Species Fact Sheet in PDF
Status
Global Status:
G5T3T5
Provincial Status:
S1
BC List Status:
Red (Candidates for- Extirpated, Endangered, or Threatened status)
RESOURCES
For further information see:
Our research group integrates field studies, molecular and population genetics, and quantitative modeling tools to understand how wild animal populations — and their associated communities and ecosystems — respond to human-caused global changes. We work with a wide range of species and ecosystems around the world. We have had a species focus on snowshoe hares, showing that the unique genetics of winter-brown hares in western North America may have significant advantages in a climate changing world.
A source for authoritative conservation information on thousands of plants and animals and hundreds of ecological communities in BC. From here connect to all provincial and federal recovery plans (including the SARA Registry), COSEWIC (Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada), Identified Wildlife guidance and conservation requirements for specific species and ecological communities of conservation concern impacted by forestry activities) and links to E-Flora and E-Fauna (the Electronic Atlas of the Plants and Wildlife of British Columbia).
A joint venture resource providing comprehensive information on a range of species and ecological communities specific to the Coast Region of BC (including the South, Central and North Coast, Vancouver Island and Haida Gwaii).
Environmental guidelines for urban and rural land development in BC.
Learn what species are at risk in your area, search by name, habitat type, regional district and forest district.
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