Young Desert Jack Rabbit

While taking my daily walk in the desert I managed to sneak up on this young Jack Rabbit. I just love doing that, we stared at each other for a good minute then he took off at full speed. Jack Rabbits are true hares because, unlike the cotton-tailed rabbits, they do not build nests. The mother simply chooses a place to her liking and the young are born fully furred, with their eyes wide open. Hares are active primarily at night. During the day they lie crouched in a "form" which they have made by using the same spot in a clump of grass or weeds. With their long ears flattened against their back, they are difficult to see. Frequently on hot summer days, they can be seen resting in the shade of a small bush or even a fence post. When frightened they run with such speed that few dogs can catch them. At the start of the chase their speed is broken by high long leaps.