The jackalope (lepus antilocapris temperamentalis) is a mysterious hybrid animal native to the western United States, probably having originated in Wyoming. The jackalope is almost extinct and has never been fully understood nor even consistently described: some authorities indicate that the jackalope is a cross between a jackrabbit and a pronghorn "antelope", while others have suggested that the species is part mule deer. The rare photographs that exist usually indicate that the latter is more likely the case; being a creature of diverse temperament, however, the jackalope may actually have the ability to alter his appearance to express a mood, to convey a message, or to fit a circumstance.

According to wildlife biologists, the jackalope is a shy and elusive animal by nature, but he can be very much otherwise when confronted. When the jackalope is involuntarily constrained to an area more con.999 fined than his natural, wide-open plains-and-desert habitat, he is thrust into close proximity with predatory species who are inclined to take advantage of the "rabbit". An alternative name for the jackalope is "warrior rabbit"--why predators seem to be unaware of the horns--whether antelope horns or deer antlers--remains a mystery, but those who press upon him soon discover that the jackalope is not your average, mild-mannered little Easter bunny! To the shock and horror of many a would-be jackalope assassin, a jackalope, when pressed, will become a raging, carnivorous monster.

A  word to the wise:  when you come upon a jackalope grazing in the grass, be nice. (It's all about appearances, you see--and how they can be very deceiving. Sometimes dangerously deceiving. It's all about the-blind-men-and-the-elephant---er, the-blind-men-and-the-jackalope, that is).

The jackalope logo I created for Jackalope Jewels® was inspired by--but swerved widely away from--a motif recurrent in Mimbres pottery.

[19 february 2005: the Wyoming state legislature just passed a bill making the jackalope the Official State "mythical animal". YAY!!  go, jackalope!!]

[who knew there was such a thing as a "State Mythical Animal"??]

All content of this website is copyright ©2002-2008 Jackalope Jewels LLC®.  All rights reserved.
The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of the owners.