JACKRABBIT: Having A Sense of Humor

One of the symbols of the American West, Jackrabbit lives in open areas such as grasslands and deserts.  Jackrabbit is actually the name for a Family of Hares-- Black-Tailed, White-Tailed, Antelope (the largest Hare in North America), and White-Sided. The biggest, fastest, and flashiest of this Family is Antelope Jackrabbit, who can outrun run everything except Antelope. Antelope Jackrabbit is also the source of Jackalope (horned rabbit) legends.

Jackrabbit got his name because of his long ears. These oversize ears allow Him to hear the faintest sounds, and as well as to stay cool during the hot day. Since He looked like a Mule, early European settlers called Him “Jackass Rabbit”.

Jackrabbit is well adapted to his life in the open. His brown fur provides camouflage against the vegetation. If spotted by Predators, Jackrabbit runs faster than Race Horse, and leaps over rocks and bushes to evade capture. His eyes on the sides of his head gives Jackrabbit all-around vision, and also help Him to spot danger from any direction.

Clever Jackrabbit zigzags across the desert, and dashes about confounding his pursuers. Often while being chased, He flashes a white patch on his rump. Most hunters say that this is to warn their Dogs that the chase is hopeless.

With his strange ears, Jackrabbit is one of the Animals of the American West that people often remember.  One joke that Westerners play on new people is to tell them about the Jackalope (a large Jackrabbit with Antelope horns). The Jackalope is often seen by people who have had too much to drink. Having a sense of humor is what Jackrabbit teaches people. Just don’t be too gullible, or you will be the object of ridicule.

BROWN HARE Divine Madness

Larger and more athletic than his counterpart (European Rabbit), Brown Hare lives a solitary life. Scraping out a shallow depression (called a form), Brown Hare sleeps and rests during the day. At dusk, He comes out to feed. Because Brown Hare is usually seen at dawn and dusk, He is associated with the moon.

Since He did not arrive in the British Isles until after the Romans did, traditions about Brown Hare came from the Anglo-Saxons, who called Him “hara”. Ostara, their Goddess of Spring, was a woman with a Brown Hare’s head and ears. Her name became the name for the Christian feast of Easter. The Easter Bunny legend came from Ostara leaving eggs wherever She went. Besides Ostara, Brown Hare has been associated with other Germanic Goddesses. Holda, protector of Mothers and Housewives, and Freya, Goddess of Fertility, had Hare attendants as well.

With his long legs and sleek body, Brown Hare can outrun most pursuers by jumping and running zigzag across the country side. The saying, “Mad as a March Hare”, originated when Brown Hare dashed about in a demented fashion in spring. During their mating season, fields of Brown Hares can be seen leaping in the air, chasing and boxing each other. Finally, Everyone settles down and selects Their Mate.

“As Mad as a March Hare” can have many meanings. As the Friend of Goddesses, Brown Hare’s madness is divinely inspired. He receives joy from the heavens and leaps in excitement. Be open to divine madness yourself, and leap high with bliss. But just don’t be so eccentric that people think that you are crazy.

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Note: Hares are larger than Rabbits. Baby Hares are born with open eyes and with fur, while Baby Rabbits are naked and dependent on their Mothers.