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April 07, 2007
Remember the Jackalope
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| On the eve of Easter, and to pay homage
to the Easter Bunny, I would like to focus today's blog post on the
fate of the North American Free Range Jackalope, a distant cousin of the
North American Easter Bunny. These beautiful creatures have been hunted to near extinction, with only an estimated 400 breeding pairs left in the wild today. Up until the early 1980's they were hunted primarily as game animals, and due to their wily nature were not threatened to any great degree. After 1980 all that changed. In 1979 scientists at 3M realized that an enzyme present in crushed Jackalope horn could be used as an active agent in a persistent but weak chemical adhesive. This glue later was used to create Post-It notes. 3M's manufacturing division was able to copy the natural enzyme using man-made ingredients, but the new attention given the Jackalope's natural bounty did not help the animal. By 1996 Jackalopes were being harvested in large quantities to produce the pharmaceutical Sildenafil citrate, which is sold under a number of brand names (the most popular being Viagra). In 1999 additional protections for the Jackalope came in the form of a bill signed by President Clinton. The Jackalope Protection Act has given this animal a chance to recover. At the time Clinton referred to his childhood dependence on Jackalope horn soup as part of a poor Arkansas family. It was his desire that the Jackalope continue as a viable game animal for future generations. Several aspects of the Jackalope's natural behavior have slowed its population recovery. The first is the fact that they are extremely shy until approached (at which point they become quite friendly). This can shorten Jackalope life span during hunting season. A second issue is the fact that they don't breed like rabbits. If fact they only mate during electric storms where hail is present, which is the only time rabbits will not breed. The Jackalope is a unique and beautiful component of our natural world. As your family celebrates Easter, and as the Easter bunny plops multi-colored eggs about your lawn or living room, please remember the Jackalope. Take some time and sign this petition to stop the needless killing of Jackalopes today! |
Posted by Lon at April 7, 2007 08:17 AM
Comments
The Jackalope would make an excellent official mascot for Chico Disc Golf.
Posted by: Anthony at April 8, 2007 07:27 AM
(the most popular being Viagra).
This explains the abundance of Jackalope heads in bars, pharmacies, restaurants, meeting houses and hunting and fishing shops in the state of Montana.
Posted by: Tina at April 8, 2007 02:25 PM
I completely forgot about Jackalopes! Wonderful article!!
Posted by: meagan at April 9, 2007 01:41 PM
Does anyone remember the name of the Jackalope that was on TV in the 1980's? I can see him in my memory, but can't put a name to him to save my soul. Thanks in advance!
Posted by: Lisa at July 5, 2007 03:12 PM