Snowshoe Hare Preference for Spotted Catsear Flowers in Western Washington

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Abstract
Relative preferences by snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus washingtonii) for leaves, flower buds, and open flowers of spotted catsear (Hypochoeris radicata) was studied in western Washington. The hares demonstrated preference for open flowers, followed closely by flower buds. Leaves, alone or in presence of open flowers or flower buds, were the least preferred part of the plant. Sugar content was calculated on both fresh- and dry-weight bases, and advantages of the former method are discussed. Based on fresh weights, levels of glucose and fructose[long dash]the principal sugars of catsear[long dash]appeared to be responsible for the observed order of preference, although other factors were not ruled out.

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