The Jackalope

The jackalope ("Lepus temperamentalus") is a mythical animal of North America of fairly recent invention. It is essentially a jackrabbit with antlers.

Jackalope lore fits more into the category of tall tales rather than serious belief. But it certaonly inspired a lot of postcards.

It is often suggested that John Colter, a member of the Lewis and Clark expedition, reported sighting a jackalope. This story is most likely apocryphal

The town of Douglas (Wyoming) claims to be "Home of the Jackalope". Douglas is home to a large jackalope statue.

But then, so is Red Lodge (Montana).

However Douglas also has a strong historic claim to inventing the beast courtesy of a local man, Douglas Herrick, who created the first taxidermy "deerbunny" some time in the 1930s or early 40s. The apparently plan to create a new, much larger, jackalope statue.

The closest thing you are likely to find to a real jackalope is an unfortunate bunny infected with Shope Papilloma virus which can cause nasty growths from the animal' head. (see: Cryptomundo)

The jackalope is the symbol if a range of produce and activities related to swiftness including: a greyhound and a race.

• Single Head Mount Jackalope (unknown)--shown right

• Jackalope Halloween costume
• Jackalope Ranch blog
• Tattoo