MaṡtÃÅ‹sapela
Eastern Cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus)
Rabbits inhabit many of our neighborhoods and live right in our backyards. The Eastern Cottontail is one of the common mammals that most can identify and one of the first animals I practiced photography on. The rabbit is agile and quick in escaping predators. It is very observant and listens well all through the night and day.
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Color: Gray to light Brown, Tan, some Black tipped fur
Length: 18 inches
Weight: 4 pounds
Lifespan: 1-3 years in wild
Speed: 18 MPH
MaṡtÃÅ‹ska
White-tailed Jackrabbit (Lepus townsendii)
Jackrabbits are a staple species on the Great Plains. They can run over 45 miles an hour and leap 20 feet in a bound. Jackrabbits are primarily nocturnal running across grasslands in the moonlight. The giant ears are not only great for detecting predators but they also help blood flow and keep jackrabbits cool in warmer months.
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Color: Gray to light Brown, some Black tipped fur, Black tip on ears, White tail, White in winter
Length: 26 inches
Weight: 9 pounds
Lifespan: 1-5 years in wild
Speed: 45 MPH
WazÃyata-maṡtÃÅ‹Ä‹ala
Snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus)
The snowshoe hare is similar to the cottontail in appearance and size but turns white in the winter. The range of the snowshoe hare is Northern Minnesota.
Color: Dark Brown, Gray, White in Winter
Length: 20 inches
Weight: 3 pounds
Lifespan: 1-3 years in wild
Speed: 30 MPH (can leap up to 12 feet!)