Wildlife Wednesday - Lagomorphs

by Andy Ames

Wildlife Wednesday. The Estes Valley is home to three species of the order lagomorpha. Lagomorphs are comprised of rabbits, hares, and pikas. The Estes Valley has one of each, with each occupying a different ecosystem. Mountain cottontails are most often seen in the lower elevation Montane forests, Snowshoe hares in the Subalpine, and American pikas way up in the Alpine tundra.

To learn more about these amazing creatures please join us for Estes Valley Watershed Coalition Presents : The Secret Lives of Lagomorphs by Deena Sveinsson, Thursday January 9th, from 6 to 7 PM at the Estes Valley Community Center. For more information see https://www.evwatershed.org/events

We hope to see you there!

The Mountain cottontail, aka Nuttall’s cottontail, is found mostly in the Montane ecosystem (forests between 7500’-9000’) although they can occasionally be seen in higher elevations.

White in winter and grey/brown with white feet in summer is the Snowshoe hare. Snowshoe hares are animals of the subalpine and can be found in dense forests from 9000’ to 11000’.

The American Pika’s short extremities (ears, legs, and tail) make it well adapted to life in the alpine tundra ecosystem. Although pikas can sometimes be found in rocky areas in the subalpine, they are most frequently seen on talus slopes above tree line (11000-11500’ and above).

Rabbits, hares, and pikas are often mistaken as rodents. One distinguishing characteristic of lagomorphs is the 2 pairs of upper incisors, or front teeth. The second pair can be seen here on this cottontail skull as little pegs behind the front teeth.

To learn more about rabbits, hares, and pikas please join us for EVWC Presents : The Secret Lives of Lagomorphs by Deena Sveinsson Thursday, January 9 from 6 to 7 PM at the Estes Valley Community Center