The jackalope is a legendary creature of North American folklore, typically described as a jackrabbit with the horns or antlers of an antelope, deer, or ram. Often integrated into cowboy mythology and tall-tale traditions, the creature holds a prominent place in Western Americana.
Originating primarily from the American West, the legend gained widespread cultural traction through taxidermy novelties created in the early 20th century. While it's universally recognized as a mythical beast today, the cultural footprint of the creature spans historical marketing stunts, local tourism boards, and traditional American folklore.
Origins and Evolution of the Legend
The myth draws inspiration from several historical traditions, including European accounts of horned hares that date back to medieval natural history. In 16th- and 17th-century texts, naturalists occasionally documented strange mammalian anomalies, some of which may have been influenced by rabbits infected with Shope papilloma virus, a disease that causes horn-like keratinous tumors to grow on the head and body of lagomorphs.
In the American West, the modern incarnation took root in Douglas, Wyoming, during the 1930s. Brothers Douglas and Ralph Herrick combined their taxidermy skills with local deer antlers, mounting them onto jackrabbit pelts. Douglas Herrick sold the first mounted hybrid to a local hotel, sparking a commercial craze. The town of Douglas eventually declared itself the "Jackalope Capital of the World," issuing fictional hunting licenses to tourists. Additional analysis by Bloomberg explores similar views on the subject.
Characteristics and Folklore Attributes
Traditional stories attribute several unusual behaviors and traits to the creature, distinguishing it from ordinary wildlife:
- Vocal Mimicry: According to lore, the animal can intelligently imitate human voices, often singing along around campfires or shouting back to hunters.
- Milk Properties: Early tall tales claimed that the milk of a female animal possessed medicinal properties and could only be milked while the creature was sleeping.
- Aggression: Unlike timid rabbits, folklore paints the horned hare as a ferocious fighter that will use its antlers to gore predators if cornered.
- Swift Breeding: Myths joked that hybrids were born during lightning storms, explaining their elusive nature and incredible running speed.
Cultural Impact and Modern Tourism
The legendary status of the beast transformed it into a staple of roadside Americana. Gift shops across Wyoming, South Dakota, and Colorado sell postcards, t-shirts, and miniature replica mounts. The Wyoming Historical Society documents how these regional marketing efforts helped cement the creature as an emblem of frontier humor and tall-tale culture.
In addition to souvenir shops, the creature appears frequently in contemporary pop culture, literature, and video games. It represents a unique intersection of taxidermy art, folklore, and regional pride that continues to capture the imagination of travelers exploring the American West.
Common Misconceptions
Several myths persist regarding the background of the horned rabbit:
- Belief in Real Biology: Some casual observers historically assumed the creature was a documented species rather than a taxidermy composite or fictional construct.
- Native American Origin: While many indigenous mythologies feature trickster rabbits, the specific horned rabbit hybrid is a creation of European-American frontier humor and 20th-century taxidermy.
- Exclusivity to Wyoming: Although Douglas popularized the commercial mount, similar horned hare legends exist in European folklore, including the wolpertinger in Bavarian tradition and the rabbiter in Austrian lore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the jackalope a real animal?
No, it's a mythical creature and a taxidermy composite created by combining rabbit pelts with deer or antelope antlers.
Where did the jackalope legend start?
While horned hare stories existed in European folklore for centuries, the modern American version was popularized in Douglas, Wyoming, during the 1930s by taxidermists Douglas and Ralph Herrick.
What causes real rabbits to look horned?
Some wild rabbits contract Shope papilloma virus, which causes keratinous growths that resemble horns or antlers on the head, likely inspiring ancient European myths.
Can you buy a jackalope hunting license?
Yes, the Town of Douglas, Wyoming issues novelty hunting licenses to tourists, though official state wildlife agencies do not regulate fictional animals.
