The Brown Hare (Lepus Europaeus)

By Angela Dunsby

The brown, or European hare, is thought to have been introduced to Europe during roman times, possibly even earlier, and is now considered a naturalised species.

Brown Hare

Larger than the rabbit and growing to 50-70 cm and weighing 2-5kg, the hare is easily recognisable by its large black tipped ears and long powerful hind legs, it has golden brown fur, pale belly and a white tail. It is an elegant mover capable of reaching speeds of up to 45 mph whilst escaping predators. With a life span of 2-4 years, the hare produces 2-4 litters a year of 2-4 leverets between March and October.

Preferring farmland and woodland habitats, they are often spotted on grassland, heath and moorland.  Unlike rabbits, hares do not dig burrows but live in shallow depressions called forms in the grass or ground. Hares graze on vegetation, the bark of young trees, bushes, cereal crops and tender grass shoots. Like other smaller mammals, the hare digests its own soft droppings to maximise the nutritional value of plants.

Hares have several predators which include foxes, stoats, dogs and sometimes birds of prey, although a fully grown hare would be quite a weight for a bird. When faced with danger, a hare will stay still on the ground, crouching to remain unseen. A hare is mainly a silent mammal, and you will rarely hear them. However, in moments of great stress, a hare will scream, and this can be very unsettling if you are unfortunate enough to hear it.  A screaming hare is a hare in great peril.  With its powerful hind legs, the hare will use a zigzag pattern to escape danger.

Running Hare

A nocturnal animal, the hare is a rare sight for most, but during the spring, they are often seen in fields engaging in boxing matches. Mistakenly, this is often believed to be 2 males (Jacks) fighting for territory or a competing for the attention of a female (Jill).  In fact, boxing is usually an activity involving a male and female, females will ward off the advances of an amorous male by standing on her hind legs and attacking with the front paws.

Hares are widespread across the UK, although research suggests that their numbers are declining due to changing farming practices.

During Tudor times, royalty and noblemen would often pick a particular animal symbol to denote certain attributes used for heraldic purposes. Anne Boleyn chose the hare as one of her symbols as it denoted ‘one who enjoys a peaceful and retired life’. A great source of food over the centuries, the hare has been hunted a great deal, although they are now protected in the UK under the wildlife and countryside act, farmers still have an open season with hares as a quarry species.

Anne Boleyn

The hare is my favourite wild animal and for anyone else who is interested in this beautiful creature and many other species of British wildlife, a visit to the John Moore Countryside Museum is highly recommended, as there are many splendid exhibits and information on our wonderful countryside.