Named after the large size of its hind feet, the snowshoe hare is a species of North American hares that are spread widely across the continent in 14 subspecies.

Scientific Name – Lepus americanus

Classification – Lepus

Gender Names – Male – buck; Female – buck; Baby – leveret

Collective Noun – Down, husk, warren

Length/Size – Varies between subspecies

Weight – Varies between subspecies

Top Speed – 27 miles per hour

Life Expectancy – Max. 8 years

Mating Season – Mid-March – August

Gestation Period – 36 days

Special Features – For camouflage, its fur turns white during the winter and rusty brown during the summer

Social Structure – Primarily solitary; varies between subspecies

Natural Habitat – Primarily the boreal forests

Conservation Status – Least Concern

Diet – Parts of various plants and trees

Predators – Lynx, fox, coyote, some birds of prey