The Snowshoe Hare turns white in winter and brown in summer, with the seasonal molt timed to match local snow conditions. Its large, fur-covered hind feet spread wide on snow, functioning like snowshoes and allowing travel over deep powder that would slow predators. Snowshoe hare populations undergo dramatic 10-year cycles that drive corresponding cycles in lynx and other boreal predators.
Best time to see a Snowshoe Hare
The best time to see a Snowshoe Hare is March–July, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 6,837 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Snowshoe Hare? What animal is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Snowshoe Hare sightings near you
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