rabbit vs hare
Rabbit Vs. Hare
A compilation of some points of distinction between rabbits and hares intended to help you differentiate between the two species. Read on....
- The foremost point of distinction when it comes to rabbit and hare comparison is that of the general appearance of the two, wherein the hare is not just larger than the rabbit, but also sports larger ears and black markings on its fur.
- Hares have larger and stronger hind legs as compared to the rabbits, and hence, they are lot faster than the latter. In fact, the European brown hare can clock an amazing speed of 45 mph with amazing ease.
- Even though molting is common to both the species, the fur coat in rabbits remains of the same color all year-round, while the same in hare species - such as the snowshoe hare, is known to change from grayish-brown in summer season to white in winter.
- While all the species of rabbits - with the exception of cottontail rabbits - such as the Eastern cottontail, live in burrows in ground, hares live in flattened nests of grass - which are referred to as forms, on the ground.
- As hares stay in nests on ground, they rely on speed and camouflage when it comes to defense. Even though rabbits are not as fast as hares, the fact that they stay in burrows, and seldom venture far from their homes, helps them dodge predators with ease.
- The young ones of rabbits - known as kittens, are born blind and don't have any fur on their body, while the young ones of hares - known as leverets, can see and run right from the day they are born.
- Rabbits are social animals who prefer to live in colonies, while hares - who most often lead a solitary life, are only seen in pairs during the mating season.
- The fight for dominance is not at all rare in rabbit males, wherein the most dominant of the male mates with all the females in the colony. However, no such behavior is seen when it comes to hares.
- When it comes to dietary habits, rabbits are known to prefer tender foods such as grass and vegetables (in captivity), unlike hares who would eat anything right from plants and shoots to tree bark.
- While the trend of keeping rabbits as pets has become quite popular owing to their docile nature, hares are wild animals who are not known to do well in captivity.