The Black-tailed Jackrabbit (also known as the American desert hare) just has the need for speed!
If you get too close he'll launch into an impossible long leap, not touching the ground for 15 feet,
and then dash away in a zigzag pattern, reaching up to 35 miles per hour.
You will most often see this desert resident in the early morning, frozen next to a sage bush, ears up and eyes wide. The long ears, which are almost translucent when the light hits them just right, helps him detect the sounds of a potenial predator but also gives the many blood vessels inside his ears plenty of room to cool the blood, which helps prevent overheating in the harsh, hot landscape of the desert.
But if you are lucky and quick you may catch him resting and a little off guard. This guy was actually in a dry wash under the shade of an old turpentine plant.
My good fortune to get this great shot!
(Copyright 2015)
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