Scavenging By Snowshoe Hares (Lepus americanus) In Yukon, Canada

Abstract

Carrion consumption by herbivores is increasingly being observed in nature, however, we lack detailed analyses of its occurrence for numerous species. Here, we quantify incidences of scavenging by Snowshoe Hares (Lepus americanus) in Yukon, Canada between January 2015 and July 2017. Hares scavenged 12.4% of carcasses deployed and were more likely to scavenge during the winter. Hares consumed meat from a variety of different species, including Canada Lynx (Lynx canadensis), as well as the carcasses of hares. On one occasion, an individual repeatedly ingested feathers from a Spruce Grouse (Falcipennis canadensis) carcass. Scavenging by hares may result from food or nutrient limitations during winter months and appears relatively common when compared to other lagomorph species.