Hares are mammals belonging to the order Lagomorpha, specifically the genus Lepus, which includes nearly 30 species worldwide. They are widely distributed across Eurasia, Africa, and North America, inhabiting diverse environments from open grasslands to arctic tundra. Hares are generally the largest members of their family, the Leporidae, which also contains rabbits and pikas. Examining the physical size of the hare involves looking at typical measurements, variations between species, and the structural differences that set them apart from rabbits.
Typical Physical Dimensions of a Hare
Hares are characterized by a long, slender build designed for speed and agility in open habitats. The common European Hare (Lepus europaeus) provides a good baseline for typical dimensions. An average adult measures between 22 and 26 inches (55 to 68 centimeters) in total body length, sometimes reaching nearly 30 inches (75 centimeters).
Weight generally falls between 6.5 and 11 pounds (3 to 5 kilograms), though larger individuals can weigh up to 13 pounds (5.9 kilograms). A defining feature is their proportionally long appendages, which contribute to their speed. The hind feet are elongated, measuring between 5.5 and 6.3 inches (14 to 16 centimeters). Their large ears, measuring 3.7 to 5.5 inches (9.4 to 14 centimeters), aid in detecting predators and dissipating excess body heat.
How Size Varies Across Different Species
The genus Lepus encompasses a wide spectrum of sizes, with significant variation depending on the species and its geographic location. This diversity often reflects the environmental pressures and climate of their habitat, a pattern consistent with Bergmann’s Rule where larger body sizes are favored in colder regions.
The Snowshoe Hare (Lepus americanus) of North America is one of the smaller species, typically measuring between 13 and 18 inches (33 to 46 centimeters) in length. These smaller hares weigh only about 2 to 4 pounds (0.9 to 1.8 kilograms).
On the larger end of the scale are species like the Arctic Hare (Lepus arcticus) and the Antelope Jackrabbit (Lepus alleni). The Arctic Hare is one of the heaviest lagomorphs, with a body mass typically ranging from 6 to 12 pounds (2.5 to 5.5 kilograms), and some large individuals weighing up to 15 pounds (7 kilograms).
The Antelope Jackrabbit is also substantial, reaching lengths of 19 to 21 inches (48 to 53 centimeters) and a maximum weight of 13 pounds (5.9 kilograms). The White-tailed Jackrabbit (Lepus townsendii) is another large northern species, with a head and body length between 18 and 22 inches (46 to 56 centimeters) and a weight of 5 to 10 pounds (2.2 to 4.5 kilograms). Hares in extremely cold climates, such as the Arctic Hare, often have a more compact build, but their overall mass is greater due to the need for insulation.
Size Differences Between Hares and Rabbits
Hares are distinct from rabbits, belonging to different genera, and differences in physical size and structure are readily apparent. Hares are generally larger, having a more athletic and slender physique built for sustained running at high speeds. Rabbits, by contrast, tend to be smaller and have a more stout, compact appearance.
The anatomical differences are most noticeable in their limbs and ears. Hares possess proportionally longer hind legs than rabbits, which allows them to run significantly faster to escape predators. Their ears are also distinctly longer than those of a rabbit, often featuring black tips.
A difference in size is seen at birth, relating to their developmental strategy. Hare young, called leverets, are born precocial: fully furred, eyes open, and relatively mobile shortly after birth. Rabbit young, or kits, are born altricial; they are hairless, blind, and entirely dependent on their mother. Hares also have a longer gestation period (about 42 days) compared to rabbits (30 to 31 days), which results in larger, more developed young.