Hares consume 1/2 to 1 pound (1.1 to
2.2 kg) of green vegetation each day.
Significant damage occurs when hare
concentrations are attracted to
orchards, gardens, ornamentals, or
other agricultural crops. High jackrabbit
populations can also damage
range vegetation.
Orchards and ornamental trees and
shrubs are usually damaged by
overbrowsing, girdling, and stripping
of bark, especially by snowshoe hares.
This type of damage is most common
during winter in northern areas.
Rangeland overbrowsing and overgrazing
can occur any time jackrabbit
numbers are high. Eight jackrabbits are
estimated to eat as much as one sheep,
and 41 jackrabbits as much as one cow.