Hares, distinct from their rabbit relatives, are often encountered in open landscapes, prompting questions about their potential danger to humans. These wild animals generally pose no threat to people or pets under normal circumstances. This article explores their typical behavior, addresses the rare health risks they might carry, and provides guidance for safe interactions, helping to clarify common misconceptions.
Understanding Hare Behavior
Hares are naturally shy, solitary animals, preferring to avoid human contact. Unlike rabbits, they do not live in burrows but instead rest in shallow depressions on the ground called “forms,” relying on camouflage and stillness to evade detection. Their primary defense mechanism against predators is their remarkable speed, capable of running up to 70 kilometers per hour (43 mph) over short distances.
These animals are generally non-aggressive, with any rare defensive actions, such as “boxing” with their paws, typically observed during inter-male competition or when a female fends off an unwanted male during breeding season. Hares are born precocial, meaning they are fully furred and have open eyes shortly after birth, enabling them to be independent quickly. This inherent independence and avoidance of close proximity to humans mean they are not inclined to initiate harmful encounters.
Potential Health Concerns
While hares are not typically dangerous, they can, in very rare instances, carry diseases that are transmissible to humans or pets. The most commonly associated disease is tularemia, also known as “rabbit fever,” caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis. This bacterial infection can be severe and is primarily transmitted through direct contact with infected animals, especially when handling sick or dead hares, or via bites from infected ticks or deerflies. Symptoms in humans can include fever, skin ulcers at the site of exposure, and swollen lymph nodes.
Rabies, a viral disease affecting the central nervous system, is another concern, though it is exceedingly rare in hares and rabbits, which are almost never found to be infected or known to transmit it to humans. General precautions for minimizing any risk include avoiding contact with wildlife that appears sick or behaves unusually, and wearing gloves if handling an animal is unavoidable, such as during a rescue.
Safe Encounters and Coexistence
When encountering a hare in the wild, maintain a respectful distance, as they are easily stressed by human presence. Never attempt to capture, pet, or feed a wild hare, as this can cause significant distress and lead to defensive reactions. If you find an injured or seemingly abandoned hare, the best course of action is to contact a local wildlife rescue or rehabilitation center.
For young hares, often called leverets, mothers typically leave them alone for extended periods, returning only at dawn and dusk to feed them. Unless a leveret is visibly injured or in immediate danger, it should be left undisturbed. To deter hares from gardens or agricultural areas humanely, installing barrier fencing can be effective, and other humane deterrents can be used, while avoiding harmful methods like poisoning.