Photo by D. Gordon E. Robertson

Snowshoe hares
(Lepus americanus)

Snowshoe hares live in the coniferous and boreal forests of the Rocky Mountains, the Appalachian Mountains, the Pacific Northwest, New England, Alaska, Minnesota, Michigan, and Montana.

Snowshoe hares have developed several adaptations to protect them against predators. Their coats change with the seasons - from white to blend with snow in winter, to reddish-brown in spring and summer. They have large hind legs with more fur and larger toes - giving them additional surface area and support for walking on snow. Hares tend not to freeze when threatened; instead, they use their huge hind legs and feet to bolt. Unlike rabbits, which are born blind and helpless, Snowshoe hares are born fully furred to protect against the cold, and sighted - ready to run.

Snowshoe hares are considered a “keystone species,” having a disproportionate effect on many other species that inhabit their sphere. They are important prey for coyotes, foxes, and at least 10 species of hawks and owls, and are intimately tied to the populations of Canada lynx. While not currently endangered, they are threatened by climate change and widespread development and fragmentation of open space.

Resource: www.mass.gov/info-details/snowshoe-hare

What do you love about this particular creature?
What do they reveal to you about God and our faith?

With their huge feet and black-tipped ears, the snowshoe hares race lightly across the deep snow, which I trudge grumbling through. Adapt, they remind me; celebrate the changes in the amount of light, the changes in the days and times and seasons. Be grateful for the patterns and gifts of God's Creation. Pay attention to the sunlight, the snow, the emerging browns and greens, and to all that surrounds me. Keystone species, you remind me how unnoticed creatures hold sway in the balance of our ecosystems and our lives. To value everything.

Author - The Rev. Nina Ranadive Pooley

The Rev. Nina Ranadive Pooley is a priest living in the Berkshires steps from the Appalachian Trail. Surrounded by gardens and wildlife, she spends far too much time being entertained by rabbits, birds, foxes, groundhogs, deer (and even the bears) who roam the back acres.

God of changes and seasons, you uphold all of your creation in your boundless love. Bless the adapting and enduring nature of snowshoe hares, and protect them, upon whose well-being so many species rely. Through them teach us to adapt to our environment in ways that allow your creation to thrive. With gratitude for the intricate connections of our lives, and how interdependent we are upon all of creation, we praise your name. Amen.