Why are the JACKRABBITS becoming EXTINCT?

Question

http://news.yahoo.com/s/livescience/yellowstonerabbitshopintoextinction

It must be global warming...right Reverend Al?

Answer 1

You didn't tell us where are you located?  We are not having any problems with Jack Rabbits becoming extinct here in Central Texas.  We have plenty of Jack Rabbits and Cotton Tails.  A Jack Rabbit is considered a Hare while a cotton tail is a common rabbit.

Answer 2

the other woodland critters are eating them

Answer 3

Weird.  They usually multiply like rabbits...

Answer 4

They sure aren't becoming extinct around my house......lol  I watched at least 12 jump around behind  my house through out the summer at the same time.

They are huge rabbits.

Answer 5

they are not becoming extinct here in the calif desert.

when i am driving at night i run over 2 to 3 a night

Answer 6

"It could be disease, extreme weather, predation or other factors, said Wildlife Conservation Society conservationist Joel Berger, a professor at the University of Montana. "

Read the text.. those are possibilites

Answer 7

Good question--the first problem is nobody noticed for a couple decades.

There are about 5-6 different sub-species of jackrabbits to begin with--not all have seen significant declines.

Whitetail jacks have seen the biggest decline across their range, blacktail jacks have seen declines across some regions, but smaller declines in other areas.

In my area of Western Colorado both whitetails and blacktails have declined significantly over the past 30 years--what was once a common sight--even in the low cycle--is now very rare.

I speculate the return of birds of prey may be a factor, but it's hard to imagine they could account for all of the decline.  Coyotes densities haven't changed much in most parts of the west--the notable exception is where wolves have been restored in the Yellowstone region and Idaho.  One would think if coyotes were impacting jackrabbits the decline of coyotes in those areas would favor an increase in jacks.

Answer 8

at present you are reading a very localized population study it is concerning and I hope it will not go to a more broad area any time a animal in any area becomes extinct or none censused it should be a major concern to all of us

Answer 9

Maybe the coyotes are eating the. I live in the U.P of Michigan and we've got plenty of Jack Rabbits here.

Answer 10

Jackrabbits are not going extinct, their population fluctuates directly with coyote population.  The coyote population will decrease with the scarcity of rabbits.  After that, rabbits will again increase.  This has been studied and verified by animal husbandry experts. Capice?