Hares

Hares are a species of mammal belonging to the Leporidae family, with over 30 species. They are larger than rabbits, with longer ears and legs and a distinctive black-tipped tail. Hares are well adapted for living in open habitats and are found in a wide range of habitats around the world.

Meta Information

Scientific Name

Lepus spp.

Average Lifespan

Up to 10 years in the wild

Average Size

15-30 inches in length

Similar To

Rabbits, Pikas, Pika-Rats, Mountain Hares

Lifecyle

Hares are born fully furred and with their eyes open. They are able to move around on their own shortly after birth and are weaned after about a month. Hares reach sexual maturity at about one year of age and can live up to 10 years in the wild.

Diet

Hares are herbivores and feed on a variety of grasses, herbs, and other plants. They also eat bark, twigs, buds, and fruits.

Habitat

Hares can be found in a variety of habitats around the world, including grasslands, deserts, forests, and even in urban areas. They prefer open habitats with plenty of vegetation to feed on.

What do hares eat?

Hares are herbivores and their diet primarily consists of grasses, herbs, and shrubs. However, they also feed on bark, buds, and twigs of trees during winter when food is scarce. In some instances, hares have been observed eating their own feces to extract additional nutrients from their food.
What is the difference between a hare and a rabbit?

Hares and rabbits belong to the same family but differ in their physical characteristics and behavior. Hares are generally larger and have longer ears and hind legs than rabbits. Hares are also faster and more solitary compared to rabbits, who often live in groups. Hares also have longer and stronger hind legs, which enable them to run faster and jump higher to escape predators.
Where do hares live?

Hares are found in various habitats, including grasslands, deserts, and forests, across the world. In North America, they are commonly found in the western and central regions, while in Europe, they are found in open fields and grasslands. Hares prefer habitats with dense vegetation for cover and open areas for feeding.
How do hares protect themselves from predators?

Hares have several adaptations that help them avoid predators. Their excellent eyesight and hearing allow them to detect predators from a distance and flee quickly. They also have strong hind legs that enable them to run up to 45 miles per hour and make sudden turns to escape predators. In addition, their fur coat provides excellent camouflage against their surroundings, making them hard to spot.
How do hares reproduce?

Hares breed during the spring and summer seasons, and females can produce up to four litters per year. After a gestation period of about 42 days, the female gives birth to one to eight leverets, which are born fully furred and with their eyes open. The mother nurses her young for about a month and protects them by hiding them in a shallow depression in the ground. The young hares become independent after about two months.
Are hares endangered?

Some species of hares are considered threatened or endangered due to habitat loss, hunting, and predation by introduced species. For example, the European hare is listed as a species of concern in some areas due to population declines. However, other species such as the jackrabbit are not considered endangered. It is important to protect and conserve hare populations, as they play a vital role in their ecosystems as prey and as seed dispersers for various plants.
How long do hares live?

The lifespan of hares varies depending on the species and their environment. In the wild, hares typically live for one to three years, while in captivity, they can live up to eight years. However, many factors can affect their lifespan, including predation, disease, and habitat conditions. Hares have a high reproductive rate, which helps to sustain their populations despite their relatively short lifespan.

10 Fun Facts About

1. Hares have a unique form of camouflage called “shading”, which helps them blend into their surroundings. 2. Hares are able to run up to 40 miles per hour. 3. Hares can jump up to 8 feet in the air. 4. Hares have excellent vision and hearing, and can see up to three times farther than humans. 5. Hares are able to turn their ears in different directions to better detect predators. 6. Hares are able to change their fur color to match their surroundings. 7. Hares are very social creatures and live in groups called “warrens”. 8. Hares are able to swim and can stay underwater for up to 30 minutes. 9. Hares have a unique mating ritual called “boxing”, in which the males stand up on their hind legs and “box” each other. 10. Hares are able to store fat in their tails, which can help them survive during times of food shortage.