The European Hare is striking, and very easy to differentiate from smaller rabbits. Although you may be intrigued by the idea of having one, you won’t often see the European Hare for sale.
Although this is not recommended by wildlife rescue centers, owners often rescue or raise a baby hare from the wild to care for them. European Hares, also known as Jackrabbits or Jackrabbits, is quite different from domestic rabbit species. Because they are shy and strong, they need a skilled handler. Let’s learn more about these wonderful creatures!
Here are some quick facts about the European Hare
| Species Name: | European or Brown Hare (Lepus europaeus). |
| Family: | Leporidae |
| Care Level | High |
| Temperament: | Shy and extremely strung |
| Color Form: | Brown with black and white markings |
| Lifespan: | 5- 12 years |
| Size: | 24-30 inches in length, 6.1-6 pounds in weight |
| Diet: | Hay, grass, or rabbit pellets |
| Compatibility: | Not to be kept alone, but can be aggressive towards smaller rabbits |
European Hare Overview
Although European Hares may look like rabbits and are sometimes called Jackrabbits by some, they are wild animals. They are also related to the Wildtailed Jackrabbit which is also a hare. European Hares, unlike rabbits who spend their time eating and occasionally sprint if they see danger, are designed to run steadily for long periods.
If they see a European Hare on a country walk, some families end up caring for it. Hares, which include White-tailed Jackrabbits and White-tailed Jackrabbits are common in Alberta, Canada. They can also be found in urban areas.
European Hares do not raise their young in burrows like rabbits. Their defense mechanism is to freeze. This provides enough camouflage to protect them from predators. However, it is possible for passersby to mistakenly believe that a young European Hare was abandoned. In reality, they are simply frozen waiting for their parent’s return.
Alberta Animal Health Source suggests that baby hares be left alone unless they are in danger, such as at a construction site. The hair should then be taken to a safe place and their mother should be able to find them.
A family may decide to take a baby hare or leveret home and care for it at home. The hare might not be able to return to the wild if they aren’t able to handle it again. Your baby hare will not be as easy to care for as a rabbit. They will be shy, high-strung, and potentially aggressive.
The Belgian Hare is a crossbreed of the European Hare, European Rabbit, and European Hare. They are more closely related to rabbits in terms of care and handling, but they have been specifically bred so that they resemble a hare.
What is the Average Cost of European Hares?
European Hares are not for sale as they are a wild species. There have been no ads for European Hares on any websites. It is unlikely that European Hares could be kept in captivity if the habitat and conditions are perfect.
Families often pick up a baby and assume that it has been abandoned. The baby hare will not survive in the wild by themselves after a certain age and their mother would reject them if they were returned. Sometimes, large housecats who are skilled hunters might bring home a live lepers.
The Typical Behavior and Temperament
European Hares, as wild animals, are very strong and rarely interact with humans. If you end up caring for one of these hares, remember that they will not become accustomed to being handled no matter how many times you spend with them.
Hares are shy by nature and more active at night and dusk than they are during the day. Hares are also designed for endurance running so they might become discouraged if they have to run for too long. The European Hare runs at 44 miles per hour (70 km)
Appearance and Varieties
There are more than 30 subspecies in European Hare. These are defined by differences such as body size, shape, fur coloration, and skull morphology.
European Hares were introduced into New York State, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania. They can still be found, even though they did not survive in all places. The White-tailed Jackrabbit, which is actually a hare, is their closest relative. It can be found in a large area of North America.
How to Care for European Hares
Habitat, Closure Conditions & Setup
Attachment
Jackrabbits and European Hares require large enclosures. Hares can run at high speeds for long periods of time in the wild. Hares may become aggressive and stressed if they are not able to run at full speed in captivity. You may need to consider a shelter for animals that can provide an outdoor enclosure that is larger than the one you have.
Hares are social creatures and may not be able to live alone. They are generally not recommended to be kept with rabbits as they can become aggressive towards rabbits in the same enclosure.
Bedding
European Hares live in open fields and on farmland in the wild. They don’t build burrows or beds. Instead, they spend their day hiding in a “form,” which is a small depression they create in the ground. This allows them to sleep partially hidden.
If you keep a European Hare at your home, it might make its own form out of hay, straw, or grass if you provide them with an outdoor enclosure.
Temperature
European Hares are able to tolerate temperatures of all kinds, provided they have enough food. You might consider providing shelter with straw or hay for them if the temperatures drop to a low level.
Are European Hares able to get along with other pets?
European Hares, especially the male bucks, can be territorial and high-strung. You shouldn’t expect them to become a pet your children will love. European Hares will never lose their wild nature, regardless of how long they have been in a home.
They can be housed with other pets such as dogs or cats but should not be allowed to roam free.
European Hares are social animals. They are not territorial in nature. Hares should be sociable, but it is not always possible.
They can be aggressive and too large to be kept in the same enclosure with rabbits. Their specific shelter and space needs are also very different.
How to feed your European Hare
European Hares are herbivorous and live in wild environments that include:
- Wild grasses
- Weeds
- Clover
- Corn poppies
- Herbs
- Winter wheat
- Sugar beet
- Carrots
- Twigs
- Buds
- Bark
Your hair will thrive if you provide a varied diet that includes at least one of these items. You can give your hair hay and rabbit pellets. They will also enjoy fresh vegetables in small quantities.
Your European Hare needs unlimited water. You can offer your European Hare a small bowl or a plastic bottle feeder to see which one they prefer.
How to Keep Your European Hare Healthy
European Hares found in nature are generally healthy. However, they can be infected by both internal and external parasites. Canine tapeworms, liver flukes, nematodes, and coccidia can all infect them. Talk to your vet to create an anti-parasite regimen that suits your hares’ needs.
Fleas can also infect hares. However, this can be difficult to treat if the hare isn’t used to it.
European Brown Hare Syndrome (EBHS) can also be a problem in wild European Hares. This is caused by a calicivirus.
Because there’s not as much information about the health and well-being of the European Hare as a domestic rabbit, it is important to consult a veterinarian to ensure your pet’s happiness.
Breeding
European Hares are not suitable for home breeding.
Are European Hares suitable for you?
European Hares can be found in wild areas. Although they are not usually available for purchase, some people keep them as pets. This is a wild hare who was only a baby when it comes to buying pets.
Although some hares can be adapted to large enclosures, they need to have space to run and are not easy to handle. Although their feeding requirements are similar to those of rabbits, you will need to give them more roughage like bark and twigs.
It is always best to contact your local wildlife rescue organization if you see a baby European Hare out in the wild. They may just be waiting for their mother to return, and not in need of help.
They are beautiful and stunning to behold, but they can only be found in nature.
What is the maximum size of a European hare?
It has a head and body length of 60 to 75 cm (24 to 30 in) and a tail length of 7.2 to 11 cm (2.8 to 4.3 in). The average body weight is between 3 and 5 kg (6.6 and 11.0 lb).
Can you go close to a hare?
The article’s content. “They’re afraid of being handled. “To them, it’s no different than being scooped up by a predator – they don’t comprehend our aim,” said Kim Blomme, the society’s director of wildlife services.
What animal are you unable to touch?
Animals, like humans, require water to survive. There are several more things that both animals and humans require. Make a list of three such things. 12. Make a list of the animals’ names. You have had an impact. You haven’t touched it, but you can. You are not permitted to touch Rabbits, Cow, and Tigers •
How can you become friends with a hare?
Leave a food trail. When you’re attempting to encourage the rabbit to trust you, leave a trail of delectable food that the rabbit will follow. Arugula, dandelion leaves, and carrot slices are examples of leafy greens. This will make it trust you and eventually tame it.
Are hares tasty to eat?
Hare meat is darker, richer, and more flavorful than rabbit meat. They are the finest roasted while young (a ‘leveret’ is a hare under one-year-old). They will then require slow cooking (and the legs generally suit slow-cooking recipes even in a young hare). For this delectable terrine, use any game you can find.
What is the purpose of farmers shooting hares?
Hares are an essential and highly valued part of our natural heritage and biodiversity. They are uncommon in certain areas of their distribution but can be highly plentiful in others, necessitating regulation. The legislation enables them to be killed as a game as well as to avoid major agricultural damage.
Why is the hare insane?
Wonderland characters Hare and rabbits are thought to go nuts in the spring because it’s mating season, while hatters were said to go insane because of their exposure to mercury, a toxic substance used in the creation of the hats they sold.
Why is the hare considered sacred?
The Hare’s Religious Role The hare has played a variety of fascinating ceremonial and religious roles throughout history. During the Neolithic period in Europe, hares were ritually buried with people. This has been regarded by archaeologists as a religious ceremony, with hares signifying rebirth.
Is hare hunting illegal?
Hare hunting is thus prohibited. The Act contains various examples of ‘exempt’ hunting, some of which are used by hunters to conceal illicit hunting.
Is the European Hare an invasive species?
The European hare (Lepus europaeus) is an invasive non-native species that have become established in Northern Ireland. Through competition and hybridization, the European hare has an influence on the endemic Irish hare (L. timidus hibernicus), a priority species of conservation concern, to the degree that European hare management is a priority.