Don Balke: Snowshoe Hare and White Oak

Artist: Don Balke
1932 -
Nationality: American
Artwork Year: 1979
Image Size: 13.75 by 12 inches
Overall Size: 23 by 20.125 inches
Medium: Water Color on Water Color Paper

A shy, retiring little fellow, the Snowshoe Hare frolics in Connecticut's evergreen forests. Suddenly, crisp fallen leaves from the state tree, the White Oak, rustle softly and the Snowshoe Hare freezes. Perfectly camouflaged against the snowy background, only his dark tipped ears and glistening black eyes peek out from the winter whiteness. Quivering slightly, the white hare waits patiently for suspected danger to pass and then gleefully continues his romp. The Snowshoe Hare uses the natural hair-covered overshoes on his hind feet to glide effortlessly across deep drifts without sinking into the fluffy snow. In spring, Snowshoe Hares move into thick forests where small clearings offer both food and protection. During the warm months they also "change clothes," donning basic brown as a natural camouflage. Because these furry mammals change color with the season, many refer to them as Varying Hares. Much like fictitious rabbits and haras such as the famous Peter Rabbit, Varying Hares spend most of their days fighting for survival. Extremely tasty to most carnivores, they are hunted widely by both man and beast. As if to compensate for the understandably short life spans, the Snowshoe Hares are unusually prolific. After a gestation period of about thirty-six days, the females give birth to anywhere from two to seven bunnies. Unlike their close relatives the rabbits, hares are bigger, have longer legs, taller ears and their young are born already covered with fur and with their eyes open.

This art was originally published in the limited edition collection of philatelic proofcards issued by Fleetwood® and the National Audubon Society for the Wildlife of the 50 States.

Artwork Copyright © 1979 Unicover Corporation. All Rights Reserved under United States and international copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, transmit, or otherwise exploit the Artwork in any way. Images of the Artwork may be watermarked and/or digitally watermarked. Any sale of the physical original does not include or convey the Copyright or any right comprised in the copyright.

Our Stock Number (SKU): XB05746

US$ Price: $1,250.00

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