Newly Discovered Species Found Near Small Indiana Town (April Fools!)

Originally thought to be hoax, the first images of Jackalopes in this small town were captured in 2024.

Researchers Confirm Presence of the Indiana Jackalope in Steuben County Ray, Indiana

Researchers have confirmed the discovery of a previously undocumented mammal species just outside the small

community of Ray, near Fremont, Indiana. The species, now informally referred to as the Indiana Jackalope, has sparked excitement among wildlife biologists, land managers, and conservation groups across the region. Though long believed to be a piece of Midwestern folklore, recent trail camera footage, physical sign, and eyewitness accounts have led experts to formally acknowledge the species’ existence. The scientific name currently under review is Lepus cervinus indianae, reflecting the animal’s unique blend of hare- and deer-like characteristics. Researchers caution that classification is still ongoing.

A Species Hidden in Plain Sight

Two mature Jackalope bucks competing for territory and females. Photo taken in 2024, and was originally thought to be just AI.

According to preliminary findings, the Indiana Jackalope has likely persisted undetected due to its elusive behavior, crepuscular activity patterns, and strong preference for transitional habitat — areas where open grasslands meet forest edges. “These animals thrive in the margins,” said a biologist involved in the study. “They don’t favor dense forest or wide-open fields exclusively. They live in between — which is exactly why they’ve gone

unnoticed for so long.”

Habitat & Range

Suspected habitat range of the Indiana Jackalope.

Current observations suggest the species occupies a limited range centered around Ray and extending into portions of northern Indiana and southern Michigan. Preferred habitat includes:

• Oak savannas and open woodlands

• Native grasslands and old pasture

• Forest edges with dense understory

• Areas with periodic disturbance and sunlight penetration.

Researchers believe the decline of these habitat types over the last century has significantly reduced suitable territory for the species.

Diet & Natural Behavior

Unlike typical rabbits, the Indiana Jackalope exhibits behavior more closely resembling whitetail deer. Documented behaviors include:

• Browsing on woody stems, forbs, and native grasses

Two young Jackalopes bedded down while waiting for their mother to return.

• Seasonal movement between bedding and feeding areas

• Use of tall grasses for fawn-style concealment

• Occasional antler rubbing on young saplings

Their diet shifts seasonally and includes:

• Native grasses and sedges

• Woody browse (dogwood, maple, sumac)

• Forbs and flowering plants

• Acorns and mast during fall months

Researchers believe this deer-like feeding behavior may explain why the species has remained undetected — often mistaken for deer sign.

Biologists believe this is a Jackalope doe nursing her four, 2 week old kits.

Population Status

Exact population numbers remain unknown. Early estimates suggest a small, highly localized population, though officials stress that true numbers cannot yet be determined. “Research is still ongoing,” officials stated. “We are confident the species exists, but its population density and long-term viability are still under study.”

Predators & Threats

Here you can see a young Jackalope male being stalked by a domestic dog (Chihuahua). This dog was captured by Animal Care and Control and thankfully, will no longer be a threat to this critically endangered species.

Natural predators are believed to include:

• Coyotes and Foxes

• Large Birds of Prey

• Domestic Dogs and Cats

However, the greatest threats are habitat loss and lack of active land management. Fire suppression, overgrown woodlots, and the decline of grassland ecosystems have reduced the mosaic landscapes this specie

s depends on.

Land Management & Conservation Efforts

Joe Sevits, owner of Sevits Logging LLC. Sevits Logging has been working on this habitat restoration project in secret since November 2025.

Officials confirmed they are working closely with local land management professionals as part of the conservation effort. One such partner is Sevits Logging LLC, a land and timber management company based near Fremont.

Owner Joe Sevits expressed optimism about supporting habitat development for the newly identified species. “We’re excited to work directly with habitat specialists to help create and improve suitable areas around Ray and Fremont,” Sevits said. “If this species has managed to survive here this long, it tells us the land still has a lot to offer. Our goal is to build on that in a responsible way that benefits wildlife and landowners alike. The biologists we are working with directly think our whitetail land management plan (a combination of selective cutting, careful land clearing of some areas, and timber management all paired into one) might be the best option for this species future success."

Early efforts focus on:

• Restoring savanna-like conditions

• Increasing sunlight to the forest floor

• Encouraging native grasses and forbs

• Creating transitional habitat zones

Surviving three kits and the sire. The Doe/Dam to this litter was unfortunately lost to predation (suspected Chihuahua.)

Looking Ahead

While much remains unknown, one thing is clear — the discovery highlights the importance of active land management, habitat diversity, and community involvement. As research continues, conservationists hope this discovery will draw attention to the value of open woodlands, grasslands, and responsibly managed landscapes across Indiana.

Article Published 04/01/2026

Sources:

www.april-fools-by-sevits-logging.org

www.follow_sevits_logging_on_facebook.com

www.call_joe_for_whitetail_management_and_logging_needs.com

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Editor's note: Trail camera images and field reports dated April 1st reflect a lighthearted nod to Midwest folklore. While the Jackalope may remain mythical, the land managment principles described above are grounded in real-world land and wildlife management provided to you by Sevits Logging LLC.