Both rabbits and hares are small mammals of the Lagomorpha order, which also
includes pikas. The order is distinguished from the Rodentia by an additional pair
of incisors on their top jaw. In both orders these front teeth grow continuously
throughout life.
While some rabbits and hares flourish in their habitats to the point of becoming
nuisances, others have been posted on the endangered list, including the North
American Pygmy, the Japanese Amami rabbit, and the White-sided hare.
Included in this packet are graphics and an information tidbits on the rabbits and
hares listed below. The clip art may be used for personal and/or classroom use.
Print on card stock and/or laminate to prolong the life of the card. The pages are
designed to print with the printer’s orientation set to “Landscape.”
Cottontail
Domestic Rabbits
Hares (Lepus)
©Roxie Carroll
Jackrabbits
Arctic Hares
Snowshoe Hare
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Of the Genus Sylvilagus, there are 13 species of Cottontail rabbits
living in North, South, and Central America. All rabbits of this genus
have a short round tail with a white underside. The most common
Cottontail rabbit in North America is the Eastern Cottontail which is
found in the eastern and southwestern US, southern Canada, eastern
Mexico, and Central America.
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All domestic rabbits are bred from the most abundant of all rabbit
species, the Oryctolagus cuniculus, or the European Rabbit. This
rabbit is native to southern Europe but has been introduced
throughout the world. There are over 50 breeds of the European
rabbit. Most of the breeds in the Western states are produced for pets.
However, some domestic rabbits are bred as a food source, while
others, such as the Angora and Rex are bred for their fur.
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Both rabbits and hares belong to the Animal Family Leporidae of the order
Lagomorpha. Hares, however, are of the genus Lepus. Hares are
precocial; they are born with their eyes open and with a coat of fur. They
are independent soon after birth. Leverets, young hares, are usually born
among the weeds on a form, a nest of flattened grass. There are over 25
species of hares, including various species of jackrabbits.
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Jackrabbits are species
of the genus Lepus. They
have large donkey-like
ears, hence the name
“jack.” There are six
different species of hares
called jackrabbit: the
Antelope Jackrabbit,
Black Jackrabbit, Blacktailed Jackrabbit,
Tehuantepec Jackrabbit,
White-sided Jackrabbit,
and the White-tail
Jackrabbit.
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While many hares are loners, North American Arctic hares often
huddle together to survive the cold.
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Named for its large hind feet that keeps it from sinking in the snow, this
North American hare changes the color of its fur to match the season.
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