When copulation occurs, it takes place in only a few seconds. Many carnivorous animals prey upon jackrabbits, although the adults are probably hard to capture for most predators. The usual method of escape is by fl eeing at high speed, up to forty miles per hour. These animals lack stamina, however, and may be run down by persistent pursuit. Coyotes reportedly may take advantage of this weakness by pursuing them in relays.
Jackrabbits host a variety of diseases.
Some of them, such as tularemia and bubonic plague, may be transmitted to humans. Although the animals are good eating, it is wise to avoid individuals which behave lethargically. Despite their deleterious effects on rangeland, jackrabbits are such an important foo d for such carnivores as coyotes and bobcats that the hares may act as a buffer between the predators and domestic livestock. Predator-control programs s ometimes seem to release jackrabbits from the depressing effects of predation, resulting in increases in their numbers and thus adding pressure on the ran geland. Studies in southern Arizona indicate that approximately thirty jackrabbits equal one sheep in food consumed, while one hundred forty-eight are eq uivalent to one cow.