snowshoe hare

American  

noun

1. a large-footed North American hare, Lepus americanus, that is white in winter and dark brown in summer.

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snowshoe hare British  

noun

1. a N North American hare, Lepus americanus, having brown fur in summer, white fur in winter, and heavily furred feet

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Etymology

Origin of snowshoe hare

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

While ours are the only ski tracks, they cross a multitude of wolf, bison, snowshoe hare, coyote, ermine and pine marten tracks.

From Washington Post • Feb. 25, 2022

The hunting seasons include snowshoe hare, bobcat, fox and coyote.

From Washington Times • Dec. 24, 2019

Like the iconic arctic fox, the snowshoe hare dons white fur for the winter—a good camouflage in the snow.

From Science Magazine • Jun. 21, 2018

“Camouflage is critical to keep prey animals alive,” said L. Scott Mills, a professor of wildlife biology at the University of Montana who studies the impacts of camouflage mismatch on species like the snowshoe hare.

From New York Times • Apr. 4, 2018

A snowshoe hare screamed and, recognizing the cry of death, Miyax picked up her club and ran off to take the rabbit from its killer.

From "Julie of the Wolves" by Jean Craighead George