Massachusetts Wildlife Rehabilitator Practice Exam

What is the maximum number of litters a mother Snowshoe Hare can have in a year?

1. 1-2 litters

2. 3-4 litters

3. 5-6 litters

4. 7-8 litters

The correct answer is: 3-4 litters

The maximum number of litters a mother Snowshoe Hare can have in a year is typically in the range of 3 to 4 litters. This reproductive capacity is significant among lagomorphs and indicates the adaptability of Snowshoe Hares to their environments. Each litter can consist of several young, allowing for a robust population growth during favorable conditions. The breeding season for Snowshoe Hares usually spans from early spring to late summer, during which a doe can continuously mate and produce multiple litters. Such reproductive strategies are crucial for species that may face predation or habitat challenges, ensuring that enough offspring survive to maintain population stability. The other options reflect either lower or higher estimates of litter production that do not align with the biological data associated with this species.