How do jackrabbits adapt to the desert?

Answer 1

Black-tailed jackrabbits are mostly nocturnal. They live in open habitat and run to escape predators rather than hiding in the woods like the rabbit does. The jackrabbit's large eyes are placed back on the head so he can see in front, behind and overhead at the same time. Their keen sense of hearing helps them be aware of their surroundings and potential danger and they rely on their speed to escape from predators

The jackrabbit's large ears also help the hare keep cool. The blood vessels in the ears expand to allow the blood to cool before re-entering the body. The jackrabbit can also decrease the blood flow through its ears in the winter to stay warmer.


Jackrabbits do not dig burrows. Instead, they spend the hottest part of the day resting in a bed scratched out at the base of a shrub or in a clump of tall grass where the shade will protect it from the heat. In the winter, a jackrabbit builds its nest under thick foliage that protects it from harsh winds.


The black-tailed jackrabbit is an herbivore. In the summer they eat mostly green plants and flowers that are high in water content, so they do not require much water. They will also eat sagebrush and cacti. In the winter, they don't hibernate, and mainly eat shrubs. Jackrabbits are constantly eating and consume large quantities of food relative to their size. Fifteen jackrabbits eat as much food as a large grazing cow in one day. In agricultural areas the jackrabbit may become a pest to farmers by eating their crops.

Answer 2

Jackrabbits are able to survive in the desert by needing very little water. They also try to stay out of the sun and forage at night.

Answer 3

The blood flow in their ears help them keep cool.

Answer 4

They have long ears to be able to hear predators obviously, but also to resist heat. :)

Answer 5

They have big ears that have vains close to the outside. This helps them to cool off.

Answer 6

Jack rabbits live in the desert because that is their native habitat.