It is most frequently observed crossing the road in the beam of car headlights, its eyes glowing fiery-red. They are active throughout the year as are all lagomorphs . Speed, up to 40 miles per hour in bursts, rather than concealment is principally relied upon to escape predators. After short bursts of supreme effort, the hare settles down into a series of low gliding leaps, which may cover from four to seventeen feet of ground. The Jackrabbit is also a strong swimmer and may plunge into a river when pursued and swim buoyantly with much splashing to the other side.
Jackrabbits are generally silent except for their shrill screams when wounded.
A captured jackrabbit is not completely helpless and may inflict deep scratches with its long hind claws. This species seems to be one of the least sociable of the group. The hares are generally solitary, but small groups of three or four may occasionally be observed in the mating season. Diurnal aggregations of 50-100 individuals have been observed in Saskatchewan. Their summer diet consists of a variety of green vegetation including clover, cultivated grains, alfalfa, and other crops, native grasses and some forbs.