snowshoe hare habitat workday – group
‘Hare cuts’ – DNR, volunteers work to improve wildlife habitat in
northern Michigan
Volunteers with Michigan United Conservation Clubs and local Department of Natural Resources staff members recently spent a day together giving “hare cuts” on public land in the Grayling Forest Management Unit as part of an effort to improve wildlife habitat.
“Snowshoe hares are a type of rabbit here in the northern areas of Michigan, and a lot of folks have great memories hunting them,” said DNR wildlife biologist Brian Piccolo. “Unfortunately, snowshoe hare populations have steadily declined over the past few decades, and research suggests that this decline is due partially to shorter winters and less snow cover due to climate change.”
Snowshoe hares differ from the more common eastern cottontail rabbit in several ways – they have longer ears and bigger hind feet than the cottontail, and one other unique trait.
“Snowshoe hares have the ultimate adaptation for survival by being able to completely change the color of their fur to adapt to their surroundings,” said Piccolo.
Snowshoes are a brownish-cinnamon color in the summer and will molt, or grow new white fur, in the winter. While many animals molt, most do not change their color so drastically. The white fur gives snowshoe hares great camouflage when snow is on the ground. If there is little or no snow cover during the winter months, having white fur against a brown background can lead to increased detection by predators. Read more
