Large well-furred hind feet enable the snowshoe hare to move easily over the snow. In soft snow the four long toes of each foot are spread widely, increasing the size of these "snowshoes" still more. Another remarkable adaptation is the seasonal variation in fur color, from grey-brown in summer to almost pure white in midwinter. This alteration, brought about by a gradual shedding and replacement of the guard hairs twice yearly, is triggered by seasonal changes in day-length which affect the reproduction cycle and hence the moult. In the humid coastal zones of Washington, Oregon, and southwestern British Columbia where snow is infrequent, snowshoe hares remain brown throughout the year. The large ears, typical of most rabbits and hares, help to regulate body temperature and also to detect approaching enemies.

Information and photo from: Environment Canada