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Jackalope
The mythical "Jackalope," also known as the "warrior rabbit," is an antlered species of rabbit, said to be a cross between a jackrabbit and pygmy deer, or antelope. They are rumored to be extinct, though occasional sightings continue to occur in the Southwest.
Among Jackalope lore, it is said that they possess an uncanny ability to mimic human sounds. In the Old West, Jackalopes were frequently heard singing along with the cowboys at night. Or when tracked, they call out phrases such as, "There he goes, over there," in order to evade capture. Reportedly, the best way to catch a Jackalope is to set a trap with whiskey. Once intoxicated, they become slower and easier to hunt. (~Aimee)
Juniper (Tree)
A coniferous plant of the cedar family, varieties of juniper range from spreading shrubs to trees 25 to 50 feet tall. Juniper is common in the Southwest, where it causes severe allergic reactions in much of the population during early spring when it is in flower. Juniper berries, while highly toxic, are used for medicinal purposes, and in cooking and other flavorings. Perhaps its best known use is in the flavoring of gin. (~Aimee)
Pictured: Juniper trees in Northern New Mexico
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