Mountain hare
Lepus timidus
Life History
Length: 45 -60 cm
Weight: 2.5kg – 4kg
Diet: Herbivorous – heather, moorland grasses and other plant species
Average Lifespan: up to 10 years
When to see them: All year round
UK population: 135,000; about 2,400 in england
UK conservation status: GB Red List – Near Threatened
About
A member of the Lagomorph family, the mountain hare, is not the same as the brown hare, although obviously similar, the mountain hare is smaller than its brown cousin, but larger than a rabbit, and is widely famous for its impressive white coat in winter.
Found in Scotland and the North of England, the species are adapated to low temperatures and winter conditions, including having heavily furred hindfeet, which act like snow-shoes, helping to spread their weight so that they don’t sink into soft, deep snow.
Behaviour
Moulting their grey coat in early winter, it then turns white, allowing them to camouflage with their snowy environment. They are mainly nocturnal, but can be active during the day if they feel safe and secure enough. Similarly timid, like their lagomorph cousins, if danger is near, they crouch motionless with their ears down and at the last minute, can dart uphill at high speed. After about 50m, they do their famous stop and stand, to look back at what startled them.
Mainly solitary animals, especially when resting, but can often be found grazing in groups, feeding along well-trampled trails through long vegetation.
Their Threats
Natural causes: Populations periodically crash by up to 90%, because of increasing gut parasite loads. This predisposes mountain hare groups to vulnerability by other causes which can compound their decline.
Hunting: Illegal hunting is sadly still a threat for the species.
Decline in habitat: Wildfires pose issues to the upland habitat needed by the mountain hare.
Climate change: Animals adapted to cold climates are especially vulnerable to effects of increasing temperatures in the northern regions, particularly because any changes may impact how easily they can find food. Wildfires also continue to pose issues to the upland habitat needed by the mountain hare.
How you can help
There are a number of simple ways you can help mountain hares:
- Volunteer with local organisations to help with moorland restoration work to improve habitats
- Report sightings. This will help inform future adaptation planning
- Help install wildlife corridors, such as underpasses, to increase connectivity between populations and decrease road casualties
Frequently Asked Questions
I've found an injured hare
If the hare is approachable, using a thick towel, pick the animal up and place it in a secure carrier or box, and contact your nearest wildlife rescue. If out of hours take the animal to your nearest vet. All vets have a duty of care to admit wildlife at no cost to members of the public.
I've found a baby hare above ground
Hares and baby hares, known as leverets, live above ground, they do not nest in burrows or warrens. The parents will also leave the leveret for long periods of time. If the leveret looks un-injured and is in a crouched, scared position, it is likely its parents are close by.
If the leveret seems lethargic or has visible injuries, please place it into a warm box or carrier and contact your local wildlife rescue.