Tuesday, 14 February 2012
Brown Hare
Scientific Name:
Lepus europaeus
Weight:
48-70g
Lifespan:
3 - 4 years
Also Known As:
Mad March Hare Description
Similar to a rabbit but with longer, larger black tipped ears and longer hind legs, the fur is tawny grey/brown in colour with a lighter coloured underbelly and flanks.
Distribution
With the exception of the Highlands of Scotland and rarely seen in Ireland, the Brown Hare may be observed throughout mainland British Isles.
Habitat
Living above ground, the Brown Hare makes its home in long grass, maybe on airfields and open downland. A fairly rare sight more likely to be seen in the early morning or evening.
Did You Know?
Known for their habit of squaring up, as if to box, particularly during March and April, the hare if cornered by a man and dog, will choose to challenge the man and with one jump may fell his opponent. When fleeing predators, a hare can reach speeds of up to 40mph. Leverets - young hares, born in litters of two to four, up to four times a year - may be fed milk by several different does.
Footprint Image
Footprint Description
Distinguishable from the tracks of Rabbits by size. 4 digital pads, usually with hair marks between the pads unless on very hard ground.Compact rounded shape.
Footprint Size
Hind foot - up to 15x4.5cm, forefoot - 4x4cm. Stride around 25cm
Droppings Description
Hare droppings resemble those of Rabbit, but are larger, with slightly tapered end as opposed to the round form of Rabbit droppings. Droppings are slightly flat,paler than those of Rabbit when fresh, and are deposited randomly around the territory in shallow "scrapes".