Jackalopes of Wyoming – Myth or Reality?
The American West, a land steeped in history and folklore, is home to many a tall tale and whispered legend. Among these captivating stories, one creature stands out for its bizarre and intriguing nature: the jackalope. Is it a figment of the imagination, a skillfully crafted hoax, or a genuine, albeit elusive, resident of the Wyoming wilderness? The debate continues to this day.
The jackalope, for those who choose to believe, is described as an antlered rabbit, a unique species that some claim to be on the brink of extinction, if not already gone. Lore paints it as a hybrid, born from the unlikely union of a now-vanished pygmy-deer and a particularly fierce breed of rabbit. Despite its supposed rarity, sightings persist, suggesting that small, isolated populations may still thrive in the remote corners of the American West, particularly in Wyoming. These antlered hares are said to possess a brownish coat, typically weigh between three and five pounds, and are capable of astonishing speeds, reportedly reaching up to 90 miles per hour.
Adding to its mystique, the jackalope is often portrayed as a formidable creature when provoked, earning it the moniker "warrior rabbit." Its antlers serve as weapons, used to defend itself against perceived threats. Legend also attributes to the jackalope the uncanny ability to mimic human voices, a skill employed to evade capture, particularly during the days of the Old West. Cowboys gathered around campfires at night were said to be both amused and bewildered by the jackalope‘s vocal mimicry, echoing their songs and conversations from the shadows.
The story of the jackalope in the American West can be traced back to the early days of exploration. Some accounts credit John Colter, a renowned frontiersman and one of the first white men to venture into what is now Wyoming, with the initial encounter. Whether Colter truly saw such a creature, or whether the tale grew with each retelling, the association with this pivotal figure adds to the legend’s enduring appeal.
While Wyoming is often considered the epicenter of jackalope lore, sightings have also been reported in neighboring states, including Colorado, Nebraska, and New Mexico. Intriguingly, the concept of a horned hare is not unique to North America. Across the Atlantic, in Germany, exists the wolpertinger, a similar mythical creature, while Sweden boasts the skvader, a related species. Furthermore, illustrations of horned hares have been found in European scholarly works dating back to the 16th century, suggesting a long and cross-cultural fascination with this fantastical animal.
Skeptics, however, offer alternative explanations for the jackalope phenomenon. One theory suggests that the "antlers" are not true horns, but rather growths caused by the Shope papilloma virus, also known as Jackalopism. This virus can induce the formation of hard, horn-like tumors on a rabbit’s head, potentially leading observers to mistake the afflicted animal for a genuine jackalope. Proponents of this theory argue that the virus, rather than a distinct species, is the true origin of the legend.
Perhaps the most widely accepted explanation attributes the jackalope‘s popularity to a clever hoax perpetrated by Douglas Herrick, a resident of Douglas, Wyoming, in 1939. The story goes that Herrick and his brother Ralph, returning from a hunting trip, tossed a dead jackrabbit onto the floor of their shop. The rabbit happened to land beside a set of deer antlers, creating a comical image that sparked an idea. Douglas, a taxidermist by trade, decided to mount the rabbit with the antlers, giving birth to the first fabricated jackalope. The brothers began selling these creations, and the novelty quickly caught on.
Before long, mounted jackalopes adorned homes and taverns throughout the American West. Postcards featuring the bizarre creature became popular souvenirs, further cementing the jackalope‘s place in Western culture. The town of Douglas, Wyoming, recognizing the potential for tourism, embraced the legend wholeheartedly.
By the late 1940s, Douglas had officially declared itself the "Jackalope Capital of the World," a title proudly promoted in brochures and advertising campaigns. In 1965, an eight-foot concrete statue of a jackalope was erected in downtown Douglas, becoming a landmark and a symbol of the town’s unique identity. Today, jackalope imagery is ubiquitous in Douglas, appearing on billboards, park benches, fire trucks, motel signs, and even a massive 13-foot cutout on a hillside.
Adding to the playful atmosphere, the town of Douglas also posts warning signs throughout the area, cautioning visitors to "Watch out for the jackalope." These tongue-in-cheek signs further perpetuate the legend and add a touch of humor to the jackalope phenomenon.
Every year, Douglas hosts an annual Jackalope Day in June, a celebration that draws visitors from far and wide. The festivities include a variety of events, such as a Mini-Monster Truck Obstacle Course, Mud Volleyball tournaments, a Motorcycle Show and Rally, and even a Greased Pig Run. For those hoping to catch a glimpse of a "real jackalope," the event offers a lighthearted opportunity to embrace the myth and enjoy the whimsical atmosphere.
In a further nod to the legend, the Douglas Chamber of Commerce issues thousands of jackalope hunting licenses each year. However, these licenses come with specific, and rather humorous, restrictions: the hunter’s IQ must not exceed 72, and hunting is permitted only between midnight and 2 a.m. on June 31st – a date that, of course, does not exist.
The jackalope‘s cultural significance was officially recognized in 2005, when Wyoming legislators declared it the state’s "Official Mythical Creature." This designation solidified the jackalope‘s place in Wyoming’s identity and further cemented its status as a beloved symbol of the American West.
Adding an intriguing layer to the ongoing debate, a retired military reader contacted Legends of America in May 2022 with a personal account of a jackalope sighting. The reader, stationed in Malatya, Turkey, described encountering a creature matching the jackalope‘s description while driving on a mountain road. The animal, approximately three feet tall, ran like a dog but resembled a rabbit, and possessed a "miniature antler rack" that the reader described as "regal looking calcified antlers." Despite being met with skepticism online, the reader remained convinced of their sighting, adding another voice to the chorus of those who believe in the jackalope‘s existence.
Ultimately, the question of whether the jackalope is myth or reality remains open to interpretation. Whether it’s a product of viral infection, a clever taxidermy hoax, or a genuine, elusive creature of the Wyoming wilderness, the jackalope has captured the imagination of people for generations. It serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling, the allure of the unknown, and the enduring appeal of the American West’s captivating folklore.