Author Jerry Smetts

When asked, “What motivated you to choose your subject matter?” my response is that the subject (some wild jackrabbits) chose me. I initially had no thought of writing about my rabbit experiences. But I grew more and more interested in the complexity of their personal and social behavior, and I began writing notes, sketching, and taking photos.

When I told my friends about my animal adventures they wanted to come and watch, which didn’t work so well because the rabbits were skittish even around me at the time. So I wrote one-page short stories that I carried around and shared when I was out and about.

Since I got such a good response to my stories, I thought I would run them by a professional in the natural science field. His response was quick and to the point, “Impossible! Wild rabbits would never fraternize with people!” I decided not to pursue that path.

It’s my hope to share with readers the inspiring messages and lessons the rabbits and I learned during our amazing adventure together.

Jerry has always been interested in bunnies but never imagined he would one day befriend this wildlife species. It could be said that Jerry was destined for this fate, for he never went searching for a rabbit friendship. Rather, the rabbit sought Jerry.

Jerry has lived in the environs of Joshua Tree CA since the turn of the century, where he communed harmoniously with several wild jackrabbits and a hoard of cottontails during the years 2016-2021.