A truly amazing encounter with this rarest of creatures. So rare, in fact, that I have opted to keep this sighting secret for many months rather than risk it being harassed by others trying to find it.

Taken last June, I initially spotted only the jackalope’s antlers sticking up, just barely, above the grass. I doubted it was what I hoped it was and almost kept on going however something told me to investigate.

Carefully, I crept closer, hunched down to try to stay out of sight and minding my steps to make as little sound as possible.

Despite my best efforts, the creature heard me and in an instant it was off to the races. Those long legs did an amazing job of propelling it as it bounded effortlessly, easily covering 4 or 5 feet with each leap. In a matter of seconds it was gone but the memories of this encounter will last a lifetime.

Since I was a child I have read about this illusive, mysterious creature of the Great Plains. I have searched high and low, followed every tip I could but had never seen one – until today.

As I drove along, I noticed something odd in a field near Denver International Airport. Coming to a stop, I trained my lens on the spot, the elusive creature suddenly popped tall for a brief instant.

I was able to snap only one picture but it is an image of a lifetime and a wildlife encounter that I will forever treasure. I certainly hope your first day of April is just as memorable.