Of Grizzly Bears and Jack Rabbits

Many years ago grizzly bear researchers in Alaska noted that the bears always follow the same path or trail and they seldom deviate from that path. The same researchers analyzed the trails and discovered they were ancient. The bears had walked the same trails for millennia. 

I've had this tidbit of information in my head for a long time. I've used this knowledge when in Yellowstone or Grand Teton National Parks too. If you want to see grizzly bears in either of the parks, go to known bear trails, and in time you will see a bear. It's also good to know where the trails are, so you can avoid the bears. It works both ways.

Now fast forward to the 12 acres of land that I own far far away from grizzly bears and their trails. On that land there are jack rabbits. Lots and lots of jack rabbits. At first you might think that the rabbits run all over the land but they don't. They follow very definite trails. They stay on those trails and they don't deviate from the trails.

The trail is the darker line in the grasses. It's well traveled, every season of the year. 

There are 2 trails here. The rabbits always stay on their established trails.

Here's a very clear trail. Hundreds of rabbit feet have pounded a path in the dirt for 30+ years that I know of. They always use the same trails. They never vary from the trail. 

I don't know if there is a reason why the rabbits use the same trail system, but it might be something interesting to study. The grizzly bear researchers have not figured out why the bears use the same trail either. They think it might have something to do with familiar smells, but it's a guess. It's difficult to interview a grizzly bear--about as difficult as interviewing a jack rabbit. It is an interesting observation nonetheless.