As posted couple of week’s ago, a recent trip to the Adirondack mountains had us considering taxidermy in a new light. On our way back down to NYC, we stopped by Adirondack Reflections, and after a brief internal debate, brought home our very own jackalope (see above). Since, we have painted his wood base white and given him a place of honor on our living room wall. See more about jackalopes on the next page.

Jackalopes have an intriquing history. Commonly believed to have originated in the 1930s in Wyoming, thanks to the creativity of a local taxidermist named Douglas Herrick, a jackalope is a rabbit with deer antlers. But at the National Gallery site, there’s a drawing of the horned critters that dates back to the 1500′s, leading some to speculate about a bizaare rabbit disease that caused these tumors.

I prefer this legend, as described on wikipedia: Reportedly, jackalopes are extremely shy unless approached. It has also been said that the jackalope can convincingly imitate any sound, including the human voice. It uses this ability to elude pursuers. Although no jackalope has ever been captured alive, it is said that a jackalope may be caught by putting a flask of whiskey out at night.. (Which may explain how President Reagan had one.)

And, just because the Mrs. Doolittle side of my Libra Brain still feels mildly conflicted about owning a mounted jackalope, let me end this post pointing you towards Best Friends, an organization that rescues animals truly in need of our care and sympathy.