Where does the European hare live?
The European hare, or brown hare, lives in Europe and parts of Asia, in temperate, open country. It has been introduced to Africa, North America, South America and Oceania. It is among the largest hares, and the largest of the hares native to Europe. It belongs to the sedentary small game of the plains.
What does the European hare eat?
Hares are herbivorous and feed mainly on grasses and herbs, supplementing these with twigs, buds, bark and field crops, particularly in winter. Their natural predators include red foxes and large birds of prey. To escape them, they rely on high-speed endurance running, with long, powerful limbs and large nostrils. Generally nocturnal and shy, hares change their behaviour in spring: they can be seen in broad daylight chasing one another around fields, sometimes "boxing" with their paws.
Is the European hare endangered?
No: the IUCN lists it as Least Concern, because it has a wide range and is moderately abundant. It measures 55 to 65 cm from head to body, with a tail of 7.5 to 14 cm, and weighs 3.5 to 5 kg.
