Hopping Ahead of Climate Change: Snowshoe Hares, Science, and Survival

Gr 2–5—This intriguing book examines the relationship between animals that modify their coat colors with the seasons and changes in the environment resulting from global warming. The main focus is on snowshoe hares. Their coat color changes are triggered primarily by the length of the day. Warmer weather means more sun and less snow; thus, white snowshoe hares are more vulnerable to predation. With limited time to adapt to such a drastic alteration in their environment, the species could potentially be on track for extinction. If this process continues to occur, Collard asks, what will happen to the other animals in this newly unbalanced ecosystem? The author's lively text follows the work of a team of scientists led by Scott Mills. Photos of them working in the field and in laboratories are featured along with graphs and informational sidebars. In the back matter, a section is devoted to ways that readers can reduce their carbon footprints.