The dietary habits of lagomorphs during the colder months are dictated by the availability of food sources. The typical summer diet of grasses and leafy greens becomes scarce, necessitating a shift in foraging strategies to sustain them through periods of snow and ice. Their winter survival hinges on adapting to consume what remains accessible.
Understanding the winter sustenance of these animals is important for several reasons. It provides insight into ecological adaptations, helps in wildlife management, and can inform decisions regarding supplemental feeding programs in areas where natural food sources are severely limited. Historically, knowledge of these food sources was vital for human communities that relied on these animals as a source of protein during the winter.
