The American Jackalope… Fact or Ficton
It's a pretty interesting story that can make you a believer or a sceptic.
At a commercial appearance, I did a couple of weeks ago, I saw an interesting taxidermy item. It was a jackrabbit with antlers. After asking certain people what it was, I came across the term jackalope. Just like anything else I paid it no mind. Then after I saw a national geographic special that mentioned it, I decided to do some digging.
Apparently, it's a Mythical animal much like the Sasquatch or Loch Ness monster. The funny thing though about myths is that there is a sliver of truth in them. This one is no exception.
According to legends of america.com John Colter encountered the species when he first entered the state that would eventually be Wyoming. According to folklore, they continue to exist in Wyoming, Nebraska, Colorado and New Mexico. They mimic human sounds and they can travel up to 90 miles an hour.
The Killer rabbit which is also what it's called is supposed to have a virus called papillomatosis which is a parasite that allows growths on the top of the rabbit's head similar to horns.
You can believe that a pretty interesting description of the species is true, or like everyone else buy the story of Douglas Herrick. That story is that he threw a dead jackrabbit on the floor next to deer antlers and came up with a brilliant marketing Idea.
I tend to like legends though.