New Mexico field viewing guide
Black-tailed Jackrabbit in New Mexico — where & when to see them by RV
Lepus californicus
Warm desert grasslands at dawn offer the best winter sightings.
3peak months
3prime spots
Natural history
About the Black-tailed Jackrabbit
Black-tailed jackrabbits are solitary hares, most active at dawn and dusk. They rely on explosive speed to evade predators such as coyotes and golden eagles.
Where to look
Conservation status
See the Black-tailed Jackrabbit up close
When to watch
The best months to see the black-tailed jackrabbit
Wildlife runs on a calendar. Here is the window when sightings peak in New Mexico — plan your trip around the lit months, then check the local refuge or park report before you go.
Best months
Dec · Jan · Feb
Best seen just after sunrise on calm mornings; check official wildlife reports for recent activity.
Plan the trip
Base your New Mexico RV trip
Good to know
Common questions
Do black-tailed jackrabbits dig burrows?
No, they rest in shallow depressions called forms rather than burrows.
Why are black-tailed jackrabbits called 'jackrabbits'?
Early settlers named them for their long ears, which resemble those of a donkey or 'jackass'.
Make it a trip
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