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The snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus) is a medium-sized rabbit. Its name comes from the animal's hind feet which are very long and the toes can be spread out to act like snowshoes. These large feet also have fur on the soles which protects from the cold and increases traction. Over most of this rabbit's range, the color of its coat varies seasonally. Its summer pelage is rusty, grayish brown. During the winter its coat is white, except for the eyelids and tips of the ears. Some people call this animal the "varying hare" because of this seasonal color change. Today, the snowshoe hare is found in northern and higher elevation areas of North America.
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