Wednesday, 15 February 2012
Mountain Hare
Scientific Name:
Lepus timidus
Weight:
2.5 -4kg
Speed:
When under threat up to 60 km per hour
Lifespan:
Usually up to 10 years
Also Known As:
Blue hare Description
Sometimes known as the Blue hare because of Blue-grey summer coat, but in winter it turns white except for black ear tips and brown splodge on the nose.
Distribution
Found in the Scottish Highlands, locally in southern Scotland, the Pennines, Snowdonia and it is the only Hare native to ireland. It favours upland moors althugh it descends to lower altitudes in really harsh winters.
Habitat
Upland moors and mountains.
Predators
Not many but a couple are Golden eagle and Red Fox.
Footprint Description
Similar to Rabbit/Hare but very often only the tips of the digital pads will show in a print. Also, the heavy fur on both fore and hind feet may distort the position of the digital pads.
Footprint Size
Hind foot - approx 13x3cm, fore foot 3.5x3cm. Stride approx 25cm.
Droppings Description
Approx 1cm in diameter, circular and fibrous in texture. Deposited in loose piles much the same as Rabbits, in shallow hillside scrapes or randomly.