Cryptid Corner Jackalope Edition

The jackalope, fun, furry, and usually mounted on a wall, are a big cornerstone of north American mythology.

The creation of the jackalope happened in 1930 when Douglas Herrick and his brothers, hunters and taxidermists, attached deer antlers to a jack rabbit body. Douglas later sold the mounted jackalopes to a Wyoming hotel and later a retail store. This led to the creature becoming quite popular among hunters and a permanent fixture in North American folklore.

Folklorists consider the jackalope as part of a group called "tall tale animals" and in the sub group called "fearsome critters". Tales of horned hares and rabbits are nothing new though: there are illustrations dating back to 13th century Persia, and in German folklore, there are tales of the Wolpertinger, (a mishmash of many animals). The jackalope is unique in its own way and comes with some pretty amusing and outrageous lore. Legend says jackalopes can throw and mimic human voices. They can be drawn out with whiskey (their favorite drink) and are said to be so dangerous that hunters should wear stovepipes on their legs to avoid being gored. The Jackalope's mating is just as outlandish. It is said that they only breed during lightning flashes and that their antlers are problematic during the process.

The origin of the horned rabbit likely came from sightings of animals with Shope papilloma virus. The virus affects some species of rabbit and causes lesions that look similar to horns usually on the animals head. These "horns" can can spread or grow causing problems with eating.

The myth of the jackalope has created some whimsical and wild entertainment. In pop culture we still see this chaotic ball of fur in our books, videogames, television and everything in between. The jackalope will continue to fascinate young and old for many years to come.

Signing off

John Buchanan