A hare is a completely different species from a rabbit. Hares are bigger than rabbits, with longer ears and hind legs. Hares live above ground while rabbits live underground. Furthermore, hares have black markings on their fur that distinguish them from rabbits. Moreover, hares tend to live in open fields and meadows. Hares can run faster and are more agile than rabbits. They also have a stronger sense of smell, sight and hearing than rabbits. Additionally, hares feed mostly on grasses but can also eat vegetables or flowers.
Rabbits and hares belong to the Leporidae family. However, they are classified into separate genuses. There are 10 rabbit genuses and 29 rabbit species. The hare genus has 33 different hare species. Half of the world’s rabbit population lives in North America. Rabbits live in almost every habitat besides Antarctica. More specifically, rabbits prefer to live undisturbed underground in burrows and tunnels.
In contrast, hares live above ground and usually alone or in small groups. Baby hares have fur and open eyes at birth while baby rabbits are born furless and blind.
The term “bunny” means a young or small rabbit. It is not a separate species. The Easter Bunny likely originated from the hare goddess Eostre and her linkage to fertility.
What are hares called in America?
Very young hares are called leverets. Hares live solitarily or in pairs. The Snowshoe Hare is a common type of hare in arctic North America, replaced by other species further south.
What is the most common rabbit in America? The eastern cottontail is the most common. This animal can be found from Canada to South America. Rabbits are not native to Britain.
Where do hares and rabbits live in North America? Native to North America and Eurasia, they live in cool, moist climates of mountains, above the tree line, but near meadows, where they find plants to eat.
Hares appear in English folklore saying “as mad as a March hare”. Hares are faster, benefiting them in open habitats. Female rabbits are called does. Rabbits and hares cannot mate.
American pikas are small, rodent-like mammals without a visible tail. Snowshoe hares have large, furry feet helping them walk on snow. Arctic hares have thick fur and small surface area to conserve heat.
The American hare resembles a Siberian hare but is smaller. Females are larger than males. They change color from gray or reddish brown in summer to white in winter over 72 days. Their average life span is 7-9 years. They prefer coniferous forests and low bush plains, also marshy areas and river banks.
A young snowshoe hare is called a leveret. Its fur turns white in winter for camouflage. The American desert hare weighs up to six pounds with large rounded ears preventing overheating. Population of snowshoe hares fluctuates, affecting predators like the Canada lynx.
Hares shelter in shallow depressions called forms rather than underground burrows. They live in Africa, Eurasia, North America and Japan in areas with trees, bushes and open space. Young hares have fur and open eyes to adapt to the lack of physical protection relative to a burrow. Snowshoe hares live in mountains, plains and conifer forests. Predators include Arctic foxes, lynx and hawks. Their large hind feet prevent sinking in snow.
Are hares good pets?
Hares are wild animals. They are not good pets. Hares are longer than rabbits. Hares give birth in the open. Rabbits give birth in burrows. Hares have full fur at birth. Rabbits do not. Rabbits are preferred pets. Hares live alone. Some live in pairs. Hares are shy and not social. Owning a hare is a short commitment. Hares can have health issues. Hares chew household items. Hares need litter training. Hare dander causes allergies.
Predators of hares include owls, hawks and coyotes. Arctic hares live 18 months. Other hares live 1-5 years. Hares run 37 body lengths per second. Humans run 6. Snowshoe hares run 30 mph.
Belgian Hares weigh 2.7-4 kg. They make good pets. They are energetic and intelligent. They need stimulation. They are easily startled.
Hares feature in mythology and folklore. They represent tricksters. Hares live in open habitats. They escape predators by running. Rabbits escape by hiding. Hares and rabbits rely on senses to detect danger.
Sheep are herd animals. Caring for sheep is demanding. Sheep need land to graze. Know the costs of proper sheep care.
Rabbits can be good pets with planning. They need more care than cats/dogs. They require regular exercise. Rabbits are not good pets for small kids.
Are hares still rabbits?
Hares are different from rabbits. Hares are bigger than rabbits, with longer ears and legs. Hares and rabbits belong to the Leporidae family. This family has 11 genera. One genus has all hares. Ten genera have all rabbits. Those 10 rabbit genera have 29 species. The one hare genus has 33 hare species.
Hares and rabbits live in different habitats. Rabbits live everywhere except Antarctica. Over half of rabbits live in North America. Rabbits live in most habitats. Hares do not live underground like rabbits. Some hares eat meat but rabbits do not.
Baby rabbits are born blind without fur. Baby hares have fur and can see right away. Hares live above ground while rabbits burrow underground.
Bugs Bunny says he is a hare. But he lives in burrows to hide from Elmer Fudd. So Bugs Bunny has a confusing story about whether he is a rabbit or hare.