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California's Premier Native Zoo and Garden
Founded in 1980 and opened to the public in 1983, CALM displays and interprets native California animals, plants, fossils, and artifacts to teach a respect for all living things through education, recreation, conservation, and research.

HOURS:
Open daily; 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. 
Admissions and gift store close at 4:00 p.m.
Winter hours: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.; November through January.  Admissions and gift store close at 4:00 p.m.

Closed Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day & New Year's Day.

CALM ADMISSION:
Adults $7
Seniors $5
Students with ID $4
Children 3-17 $4
Children under 3 years of age are admitted FREE

Special Group rates available with a minimum 2 week advance reservation.

Call 661-872-2256 for more information.



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Jackrabbit Black-tailed

COMMON NAME: Jackrabbit Blacktailed

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Lepus californicus

DESCRIPTION:

Originally called jackass rabbits because of their large ears. This 6-8 pound mammal has a short black tail, very long hind limbs and feet, and short, thick fur. Its large eyes are placed back on the head so the jackrabbit can see in front, behind and overhead at the same time. The black tips on the ears and topside of its tail distinguishes this species from other jackrabbits. The long ears provide for release of excess body heat ; the blood vessels expand to allow the blood to cool before reentering the body. It keeps its brownish coloring year around.

Jackrabbits are true hares. They do not dig burrows, and their young are born with their eyes open and fully furred. The jackrabbit can reach speeds of 30 - 35 mph when panicked. They can leap (bound) up to 20 feet.

LIFE HISTORY:

Life Span: 5-6 years

Mating Season: year round, but depending upon quantity and quality of foods

Gestation Period: 30 days

Litter Size: 3-4 average, but up to 8 precocial young.

Litter per year: may have more than one. Nest is a depression in the ground in a protected area

ECOLOGY:

Niche: The jackrabbit is a herbivore, eating a variety of herbs and shrubs. In agricultural areas the jackrabbit may become a pest to farmers by eating their crops. Jackrabbits have many natural enemies; coyotes, bobcats, foxes, horned owls, hawks, and snake

Habitat: The blacktailed hare prefers to live in the flat country and in the valley. It is the most common and is found all over California except in the mountainous areas at elevations above 12,000 feet.

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