About

The Jackalope is a North American myth, primarily concentrated in the Dakotas, Mountain West, and Prairie Canada where jackrabbits roam. Supposedly, they are very shy, can make any sound,^[1] only breed in thunderstorms, and can be trapped by luring them with alcohol.

Origin

There have been myths of horned rabbits for centuries, but the Jackalope of American fame was first mentioned in 1829 by John Colter, one of the first settlers of Wyoming.^[1] Since then, the legend has spread, and many people in the following years went hunting for Jackalopes, with the legend becoming so big as to be featured in the New York Times.

Modern Times

At this point, almost nobody now believes in the Jackalope. However, it remains a large part of Western folklore, with stuffed Jackalope souvenirs being sold and statues around in some of the small towns in which these legends were hunted.^[2]

External References

^[1] Legends of America – Jackalopes in Wyoming – Myth or Reality?

^[2] Museum of Hoaxes – The Jackalope