How WVDNR biologists are uncovering the secrets of a hidden small game species
In the quiet, snowy forests of West Virginia, the elusive snowshoe hare can be found hopping across the landscape. Known for their white seasonal coat and oversized feet, this remarkable small game species plays an important role in our state’s high-elevation ecosystems. However, little is known about their population here. That’s why WVDNR biologists and researchers at West Virginia University have teamed up to shine a light on this secretive species.
The Unique Traits of Snowshoe Hares
Studying the unique characteristics and behaviors of snowshoe hares is the first step in understanding their story. Snowshoe hares are uniquely adapted to their high-elevation habitats, which helps them stay warm and evade predators in the winter. These creatures have a seasonal white coat and large, fur-covered hind feet that help them move across snowy terrain. They inhabit forested spruce areas with dense understory vegetation like rhododendron thickets, relying on these for cover instead of burrows. Their nocturnal diet shifts with the seasons, ranging from green leaves and berries in summer to twigs and buds in winter.
Snowshoe hares play a vital role in their ecosystem as both a prey species and a habitat indicator. They support predator populations, including bobcats, foxes, and birds of prey, and help shape plant communities by feeding on vegetation, which promotes forest regeneration. Tracking their populations provides insights into the health of high-elevation ecosystems, as changes in hare numbers can indicate shifts in habitat conditions or broader environmental changes.
A Legacy of Conservation
Snowshoe hares are native to West Virginia, inhabiting the southernmost extent of their range. Conservation efforts began as early as 1949 when hares were restocked from Wisconsin to bolster populations. Mapping projects in the 1960s provided a historical baseline for tracking their distribution.
Today, however, there are still many unanswered questions about the population density and habitat use of snowshoe hares in the state. WVDNR and WVU are addressing these questions through an ambitious multi-year research project aimed to understand the species.
Game propagation and restocking was a normal practice by natural resource agencies in the early 20th century. The West Virginia Wildlife Center was established to support that practice so such restocking wasn’t unique for snowshoe hares and other game species such as quail, turkey, and deer. By the mid-20th century, a shift to focusing on protection and enhancement of wildlife habitat eliminated the practice of restocking..
Snowshoe hares at the trailing edge of their range likely always existed at naturally low densities, and therefore, may not be subject to the same population boom-bust cycles seen in the rest of its range.
Modern Research Techniques Unveil New Insights
Since January 2023, researchers have employed innovative methods to learn more about snowshoe hares. By analyzing fecal pellets collected from historic habitats throughout the year, scientists can estimate hare populations using genetic markers. These genetic signatures reveal individual hares, giving a clearer picture of their numbers and locations. Habitat data was also collected from many locations during a variety of seasons. This data helps researchers better understand the availability of resources and any effects of change to the understory. Combined, these techniques offer an in-depth look at the species’ distribution, genetics and habitat preferences.
Understanding the basic population trends of a culturally significant small game species, like hares, is crucial when tackling broader challenges such as climate change and disease outbreaks. One such concern is Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus serotype type 2 (RHDV-2), a highly contagious virus that affects both wild and domestic rabbits.While lab studies suggest hares might be less vulnerable to this disease compared to cottontails, this hasn’t been studied in wild populations. RHDV-2 was first identified in U.S. domestic rabbits in 2018 and in wild rabbits in the southwestern U.S. by 2020. Although the virus hasn’t been found in West Virginia, stepping up disease monitoring could help detect it early and guide effective management strategies.
Population density studies are also essential because they show how animals use their habitat and how available resources meet their needs. This information helps wildlife managers create and improve young forest habitats, which benefit hares and other game species. Additionally, knowing where these animals live helps managers anticipate how they might react to future climate changes, ensuring better long-term conservation strategies.
Be Part of the Conservation Story
West Virginia’s snowshoe hares are a vital part of our state’s natural heritage, and understanding their story helps us protect their habitats for generations to come. Stay updated on WVDNR’s research efforts and consider supporting wildlife conservation initiatives through license purchases and donations. Visit WVdnr.gov to learn more, buy a license and get involved.