jackalope

     

The jackalope — also calle an antelabbit, aunt benny, Wyoming thistled hare or stagbunny — in folklore is said to be a cross between a jackrabbit and an antelope (hence the name), goat, or deer, and is usually portrayed as a rabbit with antlers. Some believe that the tales of jackalopes were inspired by sightings of rabbits infected with the Shope papillomavirus, which causes the growth of horn- and antler-like tumors in various places on the rabbit's head and body. However, creatures such as the griffin and the chimera perhaps suggest that the concept of an animal hybrid occurs in many cultures. One common southwestern species of jackrabbit is called the antelope jackrabbit, because of its ability to run quickly like an antelope; it would have been easy enough to imagine instead (for comic effect) that this jackrabbit had the horns of an antelope.

Trivia about jackalope

  • In Douglas, Wyoming there's a 10-foot statue of this legendary animal that looks like a jackrabbit with antlers
  • Humorous hybrid of roadside America seen here
  • An 8-foot statue in Douglas, Wyoming honors this antlered jackrabbit created by a local taxidermist
  • I saw one of these hare/antelope hybrids in Johnny's dressing room just now & he called it by name!