The European Hare (Lepus europaeus)

The European Hare is a fast-running mammal that lives on the open country and in temperate conditions, with its area of distribution stretching from Western Europe (starting in northern Spain) across to the south of Fennoscandia, Turkey, the Black Sea and to the western banks of the Caspian Sea and over to the northern part of Kazakstan and the western part of Mongolia.

In Central Europe the abundance of the European Hare is in decline and the current status is only moderatly aboundant.

Hare primarily live in a mixed landscape with open fields and scattered bushes and shrubs for a bit of shelter. Basically the European Hare loves moderate warm weather both during summer and in winter. Too much rain during summer and can lead to a decline in population.

Hares forage on grass and alternatively also on crops should not enough grass be available. Also, hares feed on twigs, buds and the bark of shrubs. The European Hare is a social animal and loves forming groups. Their breeding season is from January to August.

europaean hare on greenland — Hare sitting in a green meadow

european hare on a meadow — European Hare in the cover of green grass

european hare in green grass — European Hare in green grass - looking a bit dozy

european hare on snow field — European Hare running over a snow field in winter (February)

european hare sitting on snow field — European Hare on snow field

European Hares sitting on snow field in winter

european hares on snow field — European Hares on a snow field in winter

europeaan hare on snow field — European Hares on a snow field in winter

european hare sitting in green grass — European Hare sitting in green grass