Snowshoe hare cover relationships in northern Utah [Lepus americanus, Game animal]

Habitat use by snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus) of several montane forest types was studied at 2 locations in northern Utah from 1973 to 1978. Vegetation types studied were: quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) with sparse and dense understory conditions; dry, subalpine meadow; subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa); Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii); and Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii). During the study, portions of the aspen stands on 1 area were clear-cut in small (1-4 ha) blocks. Results of hare fecal pellet counts showed significant (P < 0.05) differences in pellet numbers among the vegetation types studied and a strong correlation between hare use and horizontal cover densities at heights of 1.0-2.5 m above ground in the understory vegetation profile. Vegetation types in which cover densities above the snow level (1.0-1.5 m) were at least 40% accounted for 85% of the winter use by the hares.