Lynx are usually considered prototypical specialists on snowshoe hares, and virtually all studies of their food habits have shown hares to be their predominant prey (Saunders 1963, Brand and Keith 1979, Parker et al. The numerous studies conducted since the snowshoe hare-lynx cycle was first described have improved our understanding of the mechanisms behind it. The spectacular cycles of snowshoe hares and their predators have captured the attention of biologists as well as historians. Snowshoe Hare Description The snowshoe […] Snowshoe Hare Loop is a 5.5 kilometer heavily trafficked loop trail located near Rocky View County, Alberta, Canada that offers the chance to see wildlife and is good for all skill levels. The snowshoe hare is found in alpine regions of North America, Alaska and Canada. These are generally assumed to be linked to each other because lynx are specialist predators on hares. Males compete aggressively for receptive females, biting and scratching each other. These food sources often do not meet the lynx's nutritional needs. The snowshoe hare and the Canadian lynx in the boreal forests of North America show 9- to 11-year density cycles. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. The intimate relationship between the Canada lynx and the snowshoe hare has been recognized for a long time. 209 Snowshoe Hare stock pictures and images Browse 209 snowshoe hare stock photos and images available, or search for lynx or polar bear to find more great stock photos and pictures. and lynx were judged to be type 3 and type 2, respec- tively (Keith et al. When hares are plentiful, lynx eat little else and take about two hares every three days. - The … The Snowshoe Hare and Canada Lynx are 2 mammals seen on some of EALT’s conservation lands. The lynx is a specialist predator of snowshoe hares, and the rise and fall in lynx numbers mirrors, with a slight time lag, the rise and fall of snowshoe hare populations across the boreal region. The Snowshoe Hare has many predators, and is a good source of food for most small and mid-sized predators within the same habitat.
The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from December until March. Habitat and range. Reproduction. They are morpholog- Its feet also have fur on the soles to protect it from freezing temperatures. The snowshoe hare Lepus americanus, one of our commonest forest mammals, is found only in North America. Snowshoe Hare The Snowshoe Hare (Lepus americanus) is also called the ‘Varying Hare’. 1977). The population cycles of these two species are closely linked. The population of the snowshoe hare fluctuates tremendously on a roughly 10 year cycle, due to the availability of food and predator interactions. Adult snowshoe hares fall prey to many predators, including coyotes, foxes, mink, lynx, hawks and owls; squirrels are the main predators of young. If the hare acts quickly, it may escape. Lynx numbers vary with the snowshoe hare populations. To protect themselves when they sense danger, young snowshoe hares typically stay motionless to blend into their background, but the usual adult strategy is to flee and confuse the predator by darting in all directions. C. Snowshoe hares rarely deplete their food supply enough to affect their population biology. ... Snowshoe hare populations fluctuate cyclically about once a decade—possibly because of disease. Snowshoe hare populations fluctuate in Maine, and recently declined to half of that observed in the early 2000s. Food Limitation in Showshoe Hares For snowshoe hares, predation has been identified as the key limiting factor, with food … During periods of low prey availability, lynx may forego reproduction, experience higher mortality rates, and increase their home range sizes. - Have a nice time watching our content. Lynx are beautiful and powerful predators. Lynx can be found throughout much … Are Snowshoe Hares Endangered? Nearly 100 years ago, naturalist Ernest Thompson Seton wrote, “Of all the Northern creatures, none are more dependent on the Rabbits than is the Canada lynx. Lynx are generally found in moist, boreal forests that have cold, snowy winters and a high density of their favorite prey: the snowshoe hare. Snowshoe hare is the primary food of the lynx. D. Trapping records kept by non-scientists can provide useful records of hare population sizes. Lynx are specialized hunters that focus almost entirely on snowshoe hares – in fact, lynx can only sustain populations where there are adequate snowshoe hare populations. Explore {{searchView.params.phrase}} by color family The snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus), also called the varying hare, or snowshoe rabbit, is a species of hare found in North America. Despite its best efforts to hide, a snowshoe (varying) hare has captured the attention of a Canada lynx. However, there are still unanswered questions on the role of food in the population fluctuations of both hare and lynx. The Lynx-Hare Link Canada lynxes eat mostly snowshoe hares—which in turn are preyed on almost exclusively by Canada lynxes. A. Lynx are not the only important predator of snowshoe hares. These are generally assumed to be linked to each other because lynx are specialist predators on hares. Showshoe Hare Predators.
The animal's feet prevent it from sinking into the snow when it hops and walks.