European hare
The European hare, also known as the brown hare, is a species of mammal belonging to the Lepus genus, characterized by its long, thin ears and distinctive brown fur with a white underside. Typically measuring between 23.5 to 29.5 inches long and weighing between 6.5 to 11 pounds, these hares are known for their strong hind legs, which aid in evading predators. Found predominantly in farmlands, meadows, and fields across central Europe and parts of Asia, European hares are generally solitary creatures, coming together primarily during the mating season. Their diet consists mainly of grasses, herbs, cereal crops, roots, and bark.
Mating occurs throughout the year, with a peak in spring and summer, leading to a gestation period of 30 to 42 days. The female typically gives birth to litters of two to eight leverets, with an average of three to five, and can produce three to four litters annually. European hares face predation from various animals, including red foxes, large owls, coyotes, and wild cats. In response to threats, they exhibit a unique behavior of zigzag jumping to confuse attackers. With a lifespan of 12 to 13 years, the European hare plays an important role in its habitat and ecosystem.
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European hare
The footprints of the European hare are larger and deeper than a rabbit's prints, and the forefeet prints are side-by-side.
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Lagomorpha
Family: Leporidae
Genus: Lepus
Species: Europaeus
European hares are also called brown hares for their coats of brown fur. They have white fur on their underside. They have long, thin ears, a short tail, and strong hind legs. European hares grow to between 23 1/2 to 29 1/2 inches (600 to 750 millimeters) long with four-inch (10-centimeter) ears and four-inch (10-centimeter) tails. They weigh between 6 1/2 and 11 pounds (3 to 5 kilograms).
European hares live in the farmlands, meadows, pastures, and fields throughout much of central Europe and parts of Asia. They usually live alone, except for during mating season. European hares eat mainly grasses, herbs, cereal crops, roots, and bark.
European hares mate throughout the year but mostly in the spring and summer. The gestation period (duration of pregnancy) is 30 to 42 days. The female gives birth to a litter of two to eight leverets, or young hares, but usually three to five. The females usually have three or four litters a year.
Red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), large owls (Strigiformes), coyotes (Canis latrans), and wild cats (Felis silvestris) prey on European hares. When approached by a predator, European hares scream and jump back and forth in a zigzag pattern to confuse their predators.
The life span of the European hare is between 12 and 13 years.
Bibliography
"European Hare." Agriculture Victoria, Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, 12 Dec. 2023, agriculture.vic.gov.au/biosecurity/pest-animals/priority-pest-animals/european-hare. Accessed 15 Apr. 2024.
Vu, Alan. "Lepus Europaeus." Animal Diversity Web, animaldiversity.org/accounts/Lepus‗europaeus. Accessed 15 Apr. 2024.