Jon Solo Sebastian 04/18/2025:

Howdy all! Last week, we learned about the Wolpertinger, and as I mentioned in that article, I stumbled across the Jackalope and wanted learn/write about it. What I’ve learned is that the creatures carry similar characteristics and back story, so for that, I’m making this one short and sweet. If you haven’t read my article about the Wolpertinger, I’d recommend reading it before reading this one. Here’s the link—Wolpertinger by Jon Solo Sebastian

Welcome to American folklore; more notably, Wyoming, where the Jackalope came to “life.” A Jackalope is said to be part jackrabbit, part antelope; or part deer, part jackrabbit. Similar to the appearance of the Wolpertinger, it is a small rabbit with antlers. One big difference between the two is the Jackalope is said to be a vicious creature—even though no one has ever encountered one; whereas the Wolpertinger just wants a sip of your beer. Side note: The Jackalope likes the scent of whiskey rather than beer.

Another similarity between the two creatures is they can both be traced back to taxidermy. That’s not to say that’s how the myth started, but there is a strong possibility of that being the case. Some sources note the “existence” of the Jackalope dates back thousands of years, while also claiming the American Folktale was passed down by European immigrants; this can explain the similarities between it and the Wolpertinger.

Is this the Actual Origin Story?

A Scientific Explanation Much Like the Wolpertinger

On a hunting trip in the 1930’s, some friends were having a chat about what was described to be a Jackalope. One of the hunters had found the creature to be highly unusual and kept the antlers/horns. A doctor on the trip asked if he could send him the horns later on. The doctor examined them and discovered they were more like warts that were brought on by the virus called papillomavirus, which causes cervical cancer in humans. The doctor, Dr. Shope, began research with his team that would eventually lead to the development of a cervical cancer vaccine. Discovery of a new creature or not, there is some good to come out of it.

Sightings

Most of the alleged sightings of the creature sounded very wishy-washy to me, but I found one that I felt was worth sharing—to keep the spirit alive, if nothing else. “In the meantime, sightings of jackalopes continue around the world. In May 2022, a retired military man known as Rick reported a sighting in Turkey to Legends of America.

Rick claimed he came across the creature while driving on a treacherous mountain road. He saw the jackalope in the headlights and described it as looking like a rabbit but having antlers that would make a deer jealous. He said the creature ran like a dog.”

The Love of a Rascally Jackrabbit

While the creature is well known throughout the United States, it is Wyoming who has adopted it as their own. They’ve been trying since 2005 to have it recognized as their official mythological creature or cryptid. Like most cities, states, or countries who have their own mythological creatures and cryptids, Wyoming is all-in on the Jackalope. In Douglas, Wyoming, there is an eight-foot tall Jackalope statue. Also, “As The New York Times reported, there are signs on the highway near Douglas, Wyoming, that warn motorists to “watch for jackalopes” (after all, they can be vicious when threatened). Horned rabbit motifs also appear on the town’s benches, fire trucks, and motel signs.”

The question of whether it exists or not doesn’t matter; what matters is that the folks of Wyoming have embraced it. They’re having fun making and selling merchandise and souvenirs, and telling the tale of the Jackalope to tourists. It’s become one of their mascots whether it’s official or not.