# Snowshoe Hare (*Lepus americanus*)

> The snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus) is a boreal lagomorph that moults from brown in summer to white in winter, matching snow in Canada, Alaska, and the northern United States. Oversized hind feet act as snowshoes. Listed Least Concern, its 8–11 year population cycles famously drive Canada lynx numbers.

- **Category:** Mammal
- **Conservation status (IUCN):** Least Concern
- **Range:** Boreal forests across Canada and Alaska into the northern United States.
- **Canonical page:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/snowshoe-hare/
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-07-16

## Scientific classification

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Chordata
- **Class:** Mammalia
- **Order:** Lagomorpha
- **Family:** Leporidae
- **Genus:** Lepus

## Facts at a glance

| Attribute | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Scientific name | Lepus americanus |
| Diet | Herbivore |
| Habitat | Boreal forest, muskeg, and thickets |
| Lifespan | Around 5 years in the wild (varies by population and captivity). |
| Weight | About 1.5 kg typical adult mass (sex and region vary). |
| Top speed | Up to roughly 45 km/h when moving at speed. |
| Conservation status | Least Concern (IUCN) |

## Seasonal coat switch

Photoperiod triggers moult to white winter pelage and brown summer fur. Mismatches when snow arrives late leave white hares conspicuous — a climate concern in some regions.

## Browse of the boreal night

Diet is twigs, buds, and bark of willow, birch, and conifers in winter; green forage in summer. Nocturnal and crepuscular feeding reduces exposure to hawks.

## Canada–Alaska forests

Boreal forest, muskeg, and thickets across Canada and Alaska into the northern United States. Across its range it is tied to boreal forest, muskeg, and thickets, and field accounts emphasise this species’ distinctive ecology rather than generic habitat labels.

## Lynx–hare cycles

Least Concern as a species. Classic predator–prey cycles with Canada lynx are among ecology's best-documented population oscillations; trapping and habitat change can alter local dynamics.

## Frequently asked questions

### Why do snowshoe hares turn white?

Winter camouflage against snow reduces detection by lynx, foxes, and owls.

### What happens if snow is late?

White hares on brown ground are more visible to predators — an increasing mismatch as climates warm.

### Why are their feet so big?

Large, furred hind feet spread weight on soft snow like snowshoes.

### How are lynx linked to snowshoe hares?

Lynx specialise on hares; both species' numbers rise and fall in multi-year cycles.

### Where do snowshoe hares live?

Boreal forests across Canada and Alaska into the northern United States.

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Source: Global Animal Guide (https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/snowshoe-hare/). Licensed CC BY-NC 4.0 — free for non-commercial reuse with attribution.