The jackalope (Parcervus antalope) currently holds the dubious honor of having been "disproven" more times than any other cryptid species in North America. Interestingly, the European and African jackalopes do not share this honor, possibly because they're delicious and have thus been hunted to a point of extremely low population density. We estimate that at least half the "fake" taxidermically preserved jackalopes in bars, gift shops, and cheap hotels across North America are actually real jackalopes, still hiding even after death.
Jackalopes are wide-spread, with species appearing on every except Australia continent at one time. At least eight separate subspecies have been identified, six of which have been sighted within the past twenty years, indicating that they still have a healthy breeding population. Of the two that are currently considered potentially extinct, one, the Arctic jackalope, had only been seen twice anyway, and may just be hiding very, very well. Regardless, the jackalope plays a vital role in the world's ecosystem. We're just not sure what it is yet.
BIOLOGY
Jackalopes are extremely similar to jackrabbits, perhaps indicating a relatively recent evolutionary separation between the two genus of Leporidae. They are fast-moving, capable of matching the speed of a white-tailed deer over distances up to one mile. Unlike jackrabbits, they live in large groups, called "husks." A husk of jackalopes can include up to thirty individuals, who will move together when startled. This, combined with their system of lookouts, enables the husks to remain relatively safe from predation.
Both male and female jackalopes sport the antlers for which the species is best known. Females will sprout downy buds, and may never lose the velvet which covers them. Males, on the other hand, grow impressive multi-point racks. Both sexes begin to develop antlers at approximately six months of age, when they are approaching sexual maturity.
Jackalope breeding involves ritualized combat between the males, and combatants can be severely injured, or even gored to death. A husk may contain up to five dominant males, each with their own does. It is only younger males, challenging for the right to breed, who are likely to find themselves at risk.
Sadly, the antlers of the male jackalope will eventually spell his doom. At the end of each breeding season, their antlers drop off, growing back larger and more impressive the following spring. Older male jackalopes develop racks of antlers so large that they are no longer able to maintain top speed or move easily through the underbrush. The husk will slow itself to match these individuals; it is thus essential that we trim the husks each summer, removing those jackalopes who are no longer able to thrive.
Besides. They really are delicious.
DESCRIPTION
Jackalopes resemble rabbits or hares with full racks of antlers, although they will grow somewhat larger. Males have been measured up to thirty pounds, and females up to twenty-five. All species are colored according to their environment, and are excellent at concealment.
Pictured below is the Eastern North American jackalope (Parcervus antalope mythica). This is a young male, entering his prime breeding years.
Artwork by Kory Bing.