Wyoming House recognizes jackalope as official mythical creature

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Meadowlark, bison, cutthroat trout, horned toad – all official symbols of Wyoming, in one category or another. The jackalope, most elusive of the state’s critters, may soon join the list.

The Wyoming House voted 45-12 Wednesday to declare the part-antelope, part-jackrabbit as the state’s official mythical creature. The legislation now goes to the state Senate.

The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Dave Edwards, R-Douglas, sees his measure as a boon to retail sales of stuffed jackalopes.

“It’s highly possible it will certainly boost the tourism industry, which has a lot of gift shops and sells all kinds of different jackalopes,” he said.

Taxidermist Doug Herrick, of Douglas, inspired by his grandfather’s tales, is credited with creating the first jackalope in 1939 by screwing antelope horns to a mounted jackrabbit. It’s been a staple of Wyoming postcards and gift shops ever since.

Herrick’s nephew, Jim, is continuing the tradition, churning out about 2,500 mounted jackalopes each year.