Fauna
Mammal

Antelope Jackrabbit

Lepus alleni

Also known as Allen's Hare, Antelope Hare

Antelope jackrabbits sprint across desert scrublands at speeds reaching 35 miles per hour, flashing white patches on their flanks to disorient watching predators. Their enormous, thinly furred ears measure up to eight inches long and function as biological radiators, circulating blood to release body heat during intense Sonoran Desert summers. Females give birth to fully furred, open-eyed leverets in shallow ground scrapes hidden beneath mesquite or creosote bushes.

DesertMammalNocturnal
Antelope Jackrabbit reference1 / 7
(c) Francisco Farriols Sarabia, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Francisco Farriols Sarabia · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyGrasses, Prickly pear cactus, Mesquite foliage
Predators
  • Coyotes
  • Bobcats
  • Golden Eagles
ThreatsHabitat loss from agriculture, vehicle collisions, extreme drought
HabitatsArid desert scrub, grassy plains, Sonoran Desert valleys
Life span3–5 years in the wild
Classification
  1. FamilyLeporidae
  2. SpeciesLepus alleni
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Generally flees quickly; maintain distance and never attempt to handle or corner wild individuals.
Responsible observation
  • Observation timing: Scan dry washes and open flats around dawn and dusk when foraging activity peaks.
  • Maintain distance: Observe with binoculars from a distance to avoid triggering high-speed escape leaps.
  • Watch for white flashes: Look for bright white flank patches flashing through the brush as they run.
Related species
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?

Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.

Checking your Fauna account…