Mountain Hare

Lepus timidus

[Translate to English:] A mountain hare squats on a rock. The hare has white fur and looks into the camera. IUCN Red List endangerment category: Least concern
  • Family
    Hares & rabbits (Leporidae)
  • Weight
    up to 3 kg
  • Habitat
    Tundra, sparse forests and moors

Evening visits to hiding place

Females give birth twice a year to litters of two to six offspring. The newborn leverets are fully developed at birth, furred and with open eyes. To protect them from predators, the female hides her young in separate locations. The leverets are suckled once a day when they regroup briefl y at a hiding location at around sunset, which continues for about four weeks until they are weaned.

The picture shows a sitting mountain hare.

Brown hare or mountain hare?

In summer, it can sometimes be diffi cult to distinguish between a brown hare and a mountain hare. Both have big ears, grey-brown fur and a short stubby tail. However, the mountain hare has shorter ears, is smaller and has a more compact shape. Another way to tell them apart is to look at the eyes: brown hares have brown eyes, mountain hares light yellow.

The edge of the forest offers mountain hares plenty of food and shelter, providing the perfect habitat.

Distribution

Distribution Mountain Hare