Snowshoe Hare Cover Relationships in Northern Utah

Abstract

Habitat use by snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus) of several montane forest types was studied at 2 locations in northern Utah from 1973 to 1978. Vegetation types studied were: quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) with sparse and dense understory conditions; dry, subalpine meadow; subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa); Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii); and Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii). During the study, portions of the aspen stands on 1 area were clear-cut in small (1-4 ha) blocks. Results of hare fecal pellet counts showed significant (P < 0.05) differences in pellet numbers among the vegetation types studied and a strong correlation between hare use and horizontal cover densities at heights of 1.0-2.5 m above ground in the understory vegetation profile. Vegetation types in which cover densities above the snow level (1.0-1.5 m) were at least 40% accounted for 85% of the winter use by the hares. J. WILDL. MANAGE. 46(3):662-670 Numerous investigators (Grange 1932, Boyle 1955, Fitzpatrick 1957, Behrend 1960, Bider 1961, Keith 1966) have noted the importance of suitable vegetative cover as a requisite habitat component for snowshoe hares. A few studies, notably Adams (1959), Brocke (1975), Conroy et al. (1979), and Wolff (1980) provide some quantification of this relationship. However, these studies were conducted in the more boreal portions of the species'