Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "White-tailed Jack Rabbit and Elm" Signed lower left. Original Watercolor on Paper laid on Board.

Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation.

This art was originally published in the limited edition collection of philatelic proofcards issued by Fleetwood and the National Audubon Society for the Wildlife of the 50 States.

This young White-tailed Jack Rabbit sits warily in the long grass amid the fallen leaves of North Dakota's state tree, the graceful American Elm. Heavily preyed upon by everyone from coyotes to man, Jack Rabbits have developed an extraordinary sense of danger. With their large ears twitching at the slightest sound, they peer cautiously over the tall grass. When the noise is resumed, Jack Rabbits take a few gentle hops. Suddenly, like kangaroos, these champion track stars execute a few high flying leaps with their long hind legs and rocket away from their enemies. Like Varying Hares, White-tailed Jack Rabbits also change their coats with the seasons for camouflage. In winter their fur becomes almost pure white, and in the summer a seasonal brown coat will become tinted with gray. In between these seasons, Jack Rabbits mate. Males actually stand toe to toe with one another and slug it out for the females. Once the winners of the bouts are determined, females begin making nests lined with fur from their bellies. Forty days later a litter, usually of four babies, is born. Within minutes, young Jack Rabbits begin hopping about, learning quickly to run and dodge enemies. Because these agile furry creatures retain such a high birth rate, overpopulation sometimes becomes a problem. But eventually, disease and starvation take their toll and the Jack Rabbit populations decline to normal levels.

Image Size: 12.25 x 13.75 in.
Overall Size: 20.25 x 23 in.
Unframed.
(B06388)

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