Very large back feet help support the snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus) on soft winter snow. Another name for this nocturnal mammal, "varying hare," refers to its camouflaging color change from white in winter to dark brown in summer. Hunters make use of the snowshoe's habit of running in wide circles before dogs. Once beagles are on the chase, hunters—rather than following after the dogs—wait for the hare to circle back to them.
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