The Brown Hare, Lepus europaeus is a fascinating animal which has been prized for its speed and agility, but equally well renowned for blending into the such with relative ease. Brown hares are frequently confused for rabbits they are two separate species and here we explain how to tell the difference between them.
Physical Characteristics
Brown hares are much bigger than rabbits, with longer ears and long legs. This often mottled brown fur makes them almost invisible in the fields and grasslands they usually inhabit. They will jump very high up to 36″ and are also good long distance hoppers which can make for a great escape.
Behavior and Habitat
Brown hares live on their own unless in the breeding season They are crepuscular, that is, they most active at dusk and dawn. These hares are very versatile than being located on farmland, they will be found in wood margins as well as heathland.
Diet
They eat mostly grasses, herbs and young shootsOmnivoreAnimalsSquaredostfur-000393-GreenseekeriferayJPGGreen seeker Omniciclo. They are also a crop raider, and therefore they often clash with farmers.
Reproduction
During breeding season, which is usually in the spring and summer. Doe (female) hares can have multiple litters a year of about 2 to 8 young each. Leverets are born fully-furred and with their eyes open in the crook. Existing in a form, a shallow depression on the ground where they are temporarily left unattended by the doe as she feeds.
Threats and Conservation
In some places, brown hare numbers have fallen due to the loss of their natural habitat and the harmful impact intensive agriculture has on our landscape. Efforts are underway to conserve these animals.
You can help to protect brown hares:
Promote wildlife-friendly farming practices.
Build wildlife corridors linking habitats
Cut Back on Pesticide and Herbicide
If you see an injured or orphaned hare, contact a wildlife rescue cener with experts who can help.
Through awareness and admiration of these fabulous creatures, we can all collectively contribute to the salvation of them for generations down into our future.