Sketching Out Blog: Sketches of art, watercolor, photos, recipes, books, interviews, Jewish topics, and Highland Park, New Jersey

Fuzzy Wuzzy wuz a Hyrax

hyrax
When I photographed this guy in early July at Ein Gedi, I didn’t know what he was. Cute, that’s for sure. Turns out he’s (or she?) a hyrax, an animal that frequents these parts.

Does this look at all like a bunny rabbit? Because in Modern Hebrew, a shafan is a rabbit. But in ancient Hebrew, the word shafan probably applies to a hyrax. See Psalms 104:18 —

The high mountains are for the wild goats; the rocks are a refuge for the conies.
הָרִים הַגְּבֹהִים, לַיְּעֵלִים; סְלָעִים, מַחְסֶה לַשְׁפַנִּים

Conies are the translation of shefanim and supposedly refer to these furry fellows.

For more on nature at the Dead Sea, see:

If you like animal photos, see Dina on Parshat Balak.

And to read more inspiring posts by other inspiring bloggers, visit Jack’s Haveil Havalim #173.

Robin says

The hyrax are adorable, and are always a big hit with my kids. They just wish they'd come a bit closer.

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Dianne - Photo Bunny says

How cute! I don't think I've ever seen a hyrax before. I'm sure my kids would love to see one, too. Nice shot. :D

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Holy Hyax says

yes, but do they actually chew their cud??????????????????????

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

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Ilana-Davita says

Great photo of a cute animal. I had to look hyrax up; I had no idea what it was.

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Dianne says

wow another Dianne with 2 n's lol
that almost never happens

I had to look him up also
he's adorable

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Baila says

We went down to Nachal David today. Didn't see any ibex, but did see the hyrax.

What a great trip!

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Leora says

Diannes, welcome both of you!

Holy Hyrax, welcome to you, too. You could also consider calling yourself HaShafan HaKadosh.

Robin, I got pretty close to get this picture.

ID, it's a new critter to me, too. Reminds me of our groundhog, but the hyrax is much cuter.

Baila, glad you had fun! Hope it wasn't too hot.

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hihorosie says

How stinkin cute! Love little furry critters. Cute ones anyway. :) Don't think I've seen one of those before.

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