How Do Jackrabbits Eat Cactus?

Jackrabbits eat cactus in a number of different ways. Some mammals, such as cattle and sheep, graze on the spines and leaves of certain types of prickly pear.

If they try to graze or browse on this plant when it’s dry, though, they’re in trouble because many species of prickly pear can be very toxic.

In general, jackrabbits will tend to avoid cacti unless there is enough water around so that they can eat succulent parts without injuring themselves.

Cactus flowers develop especially rich nectar which attracts a number of pollinating insects including bees and hummingbirds. Jackrabbit also eats the fruit produced by pears and other cactus species.

Jackrabbits are herbivores and their diet consists of a variety of different plants, including cactus.

They typically eat the leaves, flowers, and fruit of the cactus, but they also graze on the spines and stems if there is enough water available to them to do so without getting injured.

Cacti flowers develop especially rich nectar which attracts a number of pollinating insects including bees and hummingbirds. Jackrabbit also eats the fruit produced by pears and other cactus species. Some mammals, such as cattle and sheep, graze on the spines and leaves of certain types of prickly pear.

If they try to graze or browse on this plant when it’s dry, though, they’re in trouble because many species of prickly pear can be very toxic.

In general, jackrabbits will tend to avoid cacti unless there is enough water around so that they can eat succulent parts without injuring themselves.

FAQS

Q: What do jackrabbits eat?

A: Jackrabbits are herbivores and their diet consists of a variety of different plants, including cactus. They typically eat the leaves, flowers, and fruit of the cactus, but they also graze on the spines and stems if there is enough water available to them to do so without getting injured.

Q: Why do jackrabbits eat cactus?

A: If they try to graze or browse on this plant when it’s dry, though, they’re in trouble because many species of prickly pear can be very toxic.

In general, jackrabbits will tend to avoid cacti unless there is enough water around so that they can eat succulent parts without injuring themselves.

Cacti flowers develop especially rich nectar which attracts a number of pollinating insects including bees and hummingbirds. Jackrabbit also eats the fruit produced by pears and other cactus species.