CASPER, WY — The United States Postal Service unveiled its 2027 “Mythical Creatures” stamp series, and Wyoming’s famed jackalope earned a spot among the featured designs. The series also includes other legendary beings such as Mothman, Squonk, Sasquatch, Champ, and four artistic renditions of unicorns.
According to the official USPS release, the stamp set will join a broader thematic lineup that incorporates sports legends, vegetables, Halloween monsters, and the American flag. Artist Nat Power created the bright, whimsical illustrations, while USPS art director Antonia Alcalá oversaw the final design work.
Local folklore gets national recognition
The jackalope, a hybrid of a jackrabbit and antlers, has long been a symbol of Wyoming’s frontier imagination. Western Wyoming College traces the creature’s modern origin to a 1932 hunting trip by two Douglas taxidermists who attached antlers to a harvested jackrabbit. The oddity was displayed at the La Bonte Hotel by owner Roy Hall and quickly became a tourist curiosity. In 2005, the state officially recognized the jackalope as Wyoming’s official mythical creature.
While the antler‑adorned rabbit is a playful fabrication, some biologists note that rabbits infected with a rare virus can develop small horn‑like growths, fueling occasional speculation about the creature’s reality.
What to expect from the stamp release
The USPS has not yet announced a specific release date for the 2027 stamps, and it noted that design elements may be refined before final production. A full description and renderings of the upcoming stamps are available on the USPS website.
Collectors and folklore enthusiasts alike can look forward to seeing the jackalope’s whimsical image travel across the nation on everyday mail, bringing a piece of Wyoming’s cultural heritage to a broader audience.
Why the series matters to Wyoming families
Beyond the novelty of a new stamp, the inclusion of the jackalope underscores the importance of preserving regional stories that enrich community identity. For families and faith‑centered neighborhoods that value tradition, the stamp serves as a reminder that local legends can find a place in the national narrative.
As the United States continues to celebrate its diverse cultural tapestry, the jackalope’s appearance on a federal postage stamp highlights the enduring appeal of folklore rooted in the American West.
Original reporting: Oil City News (Casper WY) — read the source article.