While they are primarily herbivores and prefer soft, green vegetation like twigs, buds, and leaves, lichen is a significant part of their diet, especially during the winter when other food sources are scarce.
Here's why:
* Availability: Lichen is abundant in their snowy habitat and remains available even when other plants are buried under the snow.
* Nutritional Value: Lichen provides some essential nutrients like carbohydrates and minerals, even though it's a low-energy food.
* Adaptation: Snowshoe hares have evolved to digest lichen efficiently, with specialized digestive systems and enzymes.
So, while lichen may not be their favorite food, it's an important part of their survival, especially during harsh winter conditions.