The European Brown Hare (Lepus europaeus) - thank you for coming to stay with us
About two months ago a hare arrived to live with us.
To begin with we would see him every few days having a nervous nibble on the grass in our yard.
Gradually his visits became more frequent until now he is there all the time. Often just a yard or two away from the house.
Although he is most welcome to be here I am not really sure why he has chosen our yard as his new habitat. Maybe for sanctuary from the local foxes, or maybe he is lonely and just looking for company.
Either way it has made me curious to learn more about hares...
The European Brown Hare (Lepus europaeus)
Hares are in the same family (Leporidae) as rabbits. But there are many differences between them.
In general hares have longer ears and larger hind feet than rabbits. Unlike rabbits hares live alone or in pairs. Hares also do not live underground in burrows like rabbits, but instead shelter in shallow depressions in the ground or grass known as 'forms'.
Young hares (leverets) are born fully furred and with their eyes open and are able to fend for themselves soon after birth. Rabbits on the other hand are blind at birth and totally vulnerable.
There are 32 species of hare around the world, although they are primarily found in Europe and North America. In the UK there are two species, the European Brown Hare and the Mountain Hare. The Brown Hare is the most widespread particularly in grassland and woodland edges.
Although hares are thought to have been introduced to Britain by the Romans, they are classified as a naturalised species.
They are protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981 and are a Priority Species under the UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework.
Hares are among the fastest of all small mammals being able to reach up to 45mph.
Because of their speed hares do not have many predators other than birds of prey, dogs and humans.
Hares as Food
Although protected hares can be hunted in the UK and are considered a game animal. However hare can only be sold between 1 August and 28 February, although farmers can shoot them all year round if they are damaging crops.
Hare is even available online from The Wild Meat Company in Suffolk...
One of the most well known recipes for hare is 'Jugged Hare' which involves hanging the hare to allow the blood to collect in the chest cavity....
As well as organised hare shoots which are particularly popular in East Anglia, hares are also hunted with golden eagles...
Hares in Sport
Hare coursing, involving two fast dogs (greyhounds or lurchers) chasing a hare on a course, was a popular country sport in Britain until it was banned by Tony Blair's Labour government under the Hunting Act 2004.
This is reflected in the popularity of 'The Hare and Hounds' as a name for rural pubs, for example 'The Hare & Hounds' in the tranquil village of Claygate in Surrey...
Although outlawed in the UK hare coursing is still legal in Ireland and events there attract many hare coursing enthusiasts from across the Irish Sea.
Practioners of the sport claim that hare coursing helps maintain hare populations...
Protecting Hares
Due both to hunting and loss of habitat hare numbers in Britain are declining.
The Hare Preservation Trust has been established to work to reverse that decline...
The Wildlife Trusts offer 'Adopt a Hare' fundraising packages to support their work to protect hares and their habitats...
The League Against Cruel Sports is campaigning for the banning of snares used to trap hares, and is also monitoring illegal hare hunting in the UK...
I am happy the hare has found sanctuary in our yard.
I am not going to hunt him, trap him or shoot him.
We are just thankful that he has given us the opportunity to share a little more of the diversity of nature around us.
Sources...
[ images by @cryptocariad ]
Rabbits and hares really do look different
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After reading I know rabbits have a close relative.
Before reading it I would call it a rabbit.
Will we ever know all animals on earth ?
Thanks for sharing
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Why ?
Great that you are protecting him in his new home my friend.
Now it's to give him, or her a nickname and chuck some carrots and lettuce out for him every day.
Blessings!
Resteem to my 2300 followers and upvote! Excelent creation !
In Indonesia, we call i.t a rabbit and most of them are white. Thanks for sharing with us on NarutalProducts.
Regards
I always thought that hare was just a synonym for rabbit. I had no idea that they were separate species, much less that there were so many differences between them.
So many good links to good info and such a great story.
Because they are plentiful in some areas doesn't mean we shouldn't care for and protect them. That is a double negative but your post is definitely double positive.
Never stop telling stories.
Thank you for sharing!