34 Facts About Jackalope

34 Facts About the Jackalope

The jackalope, a mythical creature from North American folklore, has fascinated people for generations. This jackrabbit with antelope horns is more than just a tall tale; it's a cultural icon. Let's dive into the world of the jackalope and uncover some intriguing facts about this legendary creature.

Definition and Origins

The jackalope's story begins with its unique description and origins.

1. The jackalope is a mythical animal described as a jackrabbit with antelope horns. The name "jackalope" combines "jackrabbit" and "antelope."
2. This creature's roots trace back to the early 20th century, specifically the 1930s, when taxidermists in Wyoming began creating mounted specimens by attaching deer antlers to jackrabbit carcasses.

Taxidermy and the Herrick Brothers

The creation of the first jackalope mount is a fascinating tale involving two inventive brothers.

3. Douglas and Ralph Herrick, young brothers from Douglas, Wyoming, created the first documented taxidermy jackalope. They learned taxidermy through a mail-order course.
4. The idea came to them when a jackrabbit carcass slid up against some deer antlers in their shop, inspiring them to create the first jackalope.

Popularity and Commercialization

The jackalope quickly gained popularity and became a commercial success.

5. The initial jackalope mount was sold to a local hotel in Douglas, Wyoming, where it became a popular attraction.
6. The Herrick brothers continued to create and sell these horned rabbits, spreading the jackalope's fame across the country.
7. Wall Drug, a famous roadside emporium, played a significant role in popularizing the jackalope by selling these mounts commercially.

Cultural Significance

The jackalope has become an integral part of American folklore.

8. The jackalope symbolizes the creativity and ingenuity of the American West.
9. It is often associated with tall tales and fearsome critters, fantastical animals common in North American folklore.
10. The jackalope's popularity has led to its inclusion in various forms of media, such as books, television shows, and video games.

Legislative Recognition

Despite its mythical status, the jackalope has been considered for official recognition.

11. In 2005, a bill to make the jackalope Wyoming's official mythological creature passed the House but died in the Senate.
12. The bill was reintroduced in 2013 and again in 2015 but has yet to pass into law.

Wyoming's Jackalope Day

The city of Douglas celebrates the jackalope with an annual event.

13. Douglas hosts an annual Jackalope Day in June, attracting tourists and locals with jackalope-themed souvenirs, food, and activities.
14. The city's dedication to the jackalope is evident in its annual festivities, solidifying its place in American folklore.

Jackalope Hunting Licenses

In a humorous nod to the creature's mythical status, Douglas offers a unique souvenir.

15. The Douglas Chamber of Commerce issues jackalope hunting licenses each year. These licenses are humorous and not meant to be taken seriously.

Physical Characteristics

The jackalope's appearance is both unique and exaggerated.

16. The jackalope is described as a jackrabbit with antelope horns. While the original mounts used deer antlers, some modern interpretations suggest other antelope species.
17. Some stories claim the jackalope has fangs and wings, adding to its mythical appearance.

Behavioral Traits

Folklore describes the jackalope as a cunning and elusive creature.

18. The jackalope is said to have keen eyesight, acute hearing, and an excellent sense of smell, making it nearly impossible to catch.
19. Numerous tales tell of hunters being outsmarted by the jackalope.

Vocal Abilities

One of the most intriguing aspects of the jackalope legend is its ability to mimic human sounds.

20. Cowboys have reported hearing mysterious voices repeating their campfire songs, adding to the creature's mystique.
21. This vocal ability is often used as a defensive tactic to deceive predators or hunters.

Imitation of Sounds

The jackalope's vocal mimicry extends beyond human sounds.

22. The jackalope is said to imitate a wide range of sounds, including those of coyotes, owls, meadowlarks, and even chainsaws.
23. This ability helps the creature evade capture by confusing its pursuers.

Defensive Tactics

The jackalope employs clever tactics to avoid capture.

24. It can make its voice sound as if it is coming from somewhere else, often crying out, “There he goes, over there!” to throw hunters off its trail.

Social Biology and Predation

Many questions about the jackalope's social biology remain unanswered.

25. Experts speculate that the jackalope might have a unique social structure, but concrete evidence is lacking.

Seasonal Migration

Some tales suggest that the jackalope's breeding habits are tied to dramatic weather events.

26. The jackalope is said to breed only during lightning storms, making its mating process both rare and dramatic.

Habitat and Distribution

The jackalope is native to the American West.

27. It is particularly associated with states like Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska, and New Mexico.
28. Similar creatures, such as the wolpertinger and the Swedish skvader, are mentioned in European folklore, suggesting a possible cross-cultural influence.

Historical Inspiration

Some tales of horned hares might have been inspired by real-life observations.

29. The Shope papilloma virus causes horn- and antler-like tumors to grow on a rabbit's head and body, potentially leading to the creation of horned rabbits in folklore.

Folkloric Significance

The jackalope is part of a larger group of tall tale animals known as fearsome critters.

30. These fantastical creatures appear in stories featuring hodags, giant snakes, fur-bearing trout, and many others.

Commercial Use

The jackalope has been used in various marketing strategies.

31. The Wyoming Lottery adopted a jackalope logo for its lottery tickets and marketing materials, naming it YoLo.

Media Appearances

The jackalope has appeared in numerous forms of media.

32. Its versatility in different storytelling formats has contributed to its widespread recognition and cultural impact.

Tall Tales and Hoaxes

The jackalope is subject to many outlandish claims embedded in tall tales.

33. Hunters are advised to wear stovepipes on their legs to keep from being gored by the jackalope.

Jackalope Milk

One of the most bizarre claims about the jackalope involves its milk.

34. Jackalope milk is said to be an aphrodisiac, but milking a jackalope is fraught with risk, making this claim more humorous than factual.

The Jackalope's Enduring Legacy

The jackalope isn't just a quirky myth; it's a testament to human creativity and the rich tapestry of American folklore. From its humble beginnings as a taxidermy hoax by the Herrick brothers in Wyoming, this horned rabbit has hopped its way into the hearts of many. Its cultural significance is celebrated through annual events, humorous hunting licenses, and even legislative attempts to recognize it officially. The jackalope's ability to mimic sounds, its cunning nature, and its association with tall tales make it a fascinating subject. Whether it's the educational value for kids or its role in boosting local tourism, the jackalope's impact is undeniable. This mythical creature continues to inspire and entertain, proving that sometimes, the best stories are the ones we create ourselves. The jackalope's legacy will undoubtedly endure for generations to come.