First published Thu Sep 14, 1995; substantive revision Tue Apr 17, 2001

Snarks are a species of bandersnatch. They are thought to have evolved from the slithy toves along with the other bandersnatches. Snarks were common in New England forests until the late 19th century, when it was thought that they were hunted to extinction. Recent ethological expeditions, however, have uncovered evidence that there may be a few extant individuals. Snarks are favorites with animal lovers everywhere because in the spring, they gyre and gimble on small ponds in a brilliant mating display. In reference works on bandersnatches, snarks are referred to collectively by the Latin name Snarkidae.

Snarks are a species of bandersnatch and are thought to have evolved from the slithy toves along with the other bandersnatches. Snarks evolved in the Devonian period and successfully adapted themselves in several ecological niches until the late 19th century. The fact that they have a dorsal sigmoid bone establishes their descent from the slithy toves.

Snarks bear young just at the point in early summer when their food source is most abundant. Their biological clocks are very well tuned and biologists study them as the principal model of such clocks in the animal kingdom.

There is nothing like the wonder and pageantry of snarks in mating season, as they gyre and gimble on the ponds of New England forests.