Among the strangest creatures of American folklore is the Jackalope—a jackrabbit with antlers, often said to haunt the prairies and deserts of the American West. While it began as a tongue-in-cheek legend, the Jackalope has grown into one of the most enduring tall tales, blending humor, cryptid lore, and local pride. From Wyoming to Texas, this horned rabbit has hopped into popular imagination, folklore collections, and even tourism campaigns.
Origins of the Jackalope Legend
The Jackalope is most closely associated with Douglas, Wyoming, where in the 1930s, a taxidermist named Douglas Herrick and his brother created the first mounted “jackalope” by attaching deer antlers to a jackrabbit’s body. The hoax was never meant to fool anyone, but people quickly embraced the creature as a quirky symbol of the Wild West.
The idea, however, is not entirely new. Folklore of horned rabbits goes back much further. In Europe, Bavarian tales speak of the Wolpertinger, a hare-like creature with wings, antlers, and fangs. In Sweden, the Skvader is depicted as a hare with the wings of a bird. The Jackalope seems to be America’s own adaptation of this older storytelling tradition.
Folklore and Tales of the Jackalope
According to tall tales, Jackalopes are extremely elusive. They are said to be able to mimic human voices, often repeating songs around campfires or using speech to trick cowboys and hunters. Some stories claim they would call out to travelers, confusing them on lonely trails.
The Jackalope also has a mischievous side. Folklore describes them as fond of whiskey, with some stories suggesting they raid camps to drink from unattended bottles. Despite their comical reputation, they are also described as dangerous when cornered, capable of using their antlers to defend themselves fiercely.
A Creature of Science—or Myth?
Interestingly, there may be a sliver of truth behind the legend. Biologists have noted that rabbits can suffer from Shope papilloma virus, a disease that causes horn-like tumors to grow on their heads and faces. To early hunters and rural communities, these growths might have looked like proof of a horned rabbit, fueling the Jackalope myth.
Still, the Jackalope as we know it today remains a product of taxidermy, humor, and imagination, rather than zoology.
The Jackalope in Popular Culture
The Jackalope has become more than just a campfire story—it’s a genuine piece of Americana.
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Tourist Symbol: Douglas, Wyoming, calls itself the “Jackalope Capital of the World,” and even issues novelty Jackalope hunting licenses. The catch? The licenses are only valid on June 31st—a date that doesn’t exist.
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Merchandise & Roadside Attractions: Jackalopes appear on postcards, taxidermy mounts, and even as mascots for bars and shops throughout the western U.S.
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Pop Culture: From TV shows to music references, the Jackalope pops up regularly as a quirky piece of folklore. In cryptid culture, it’s often listed alongside Bigfoot, Chupacabra, and the Mothman.
Why the Jackalope Endures
The Jackalope thrives because it sits at the crossroads of myth, humor, and identity. It’s not usually treated as a serious cryptid like Bigfoot, but rather as a playful symbol of rural storytelling. In many ways, it embodies the spirit of the American frontier—where the line between truth and tall tale often blurred.
Even today, the Jackalope continues to spark curiosity. Whether seen as a hoax, a tourist trap, or a beloved legend, the antlered rabbit remains an icon of American folklore.
Fact Box: Jackalope at a Glance
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Name: Jackalope
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Type: Folkloric hybrid
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Appearance: Rabbit with antlers
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First popularized: 1930s, Wyoming
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Personality (folklore): Shy, whiskey-loving, voice-mimicking trickster
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Possible roots: Taxidermy hoax, papillomavirus-infected rabbits, European horned-hare legends
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Modern status: Tourist mascot, pop culture figure, cryptid curiosity
Conclusion
The Jackalope may not roam the plains in reality, but in the imagination of the American West, it is very much alive. Whether you see it as a funny hoax, a cryptid cousin, or simply a cultural icon, the Jackalope is a reminder of how stories can take on a life of their own—and sometimes even hop right into legend.
