Lagomorphs, the order of mammals that includes rabbits and hares, are built for instantaneous survival in environments full of predators. Their primary defense mechanism is explosive speed and agility. This reliance on rapid movement means that their bodies are finely tuned for sprinting across open terrain. However, the maximum speed an individual can achieve varies significantly, depending on the specific species and whether the animal is a true rabbit or a hare. This distinction represents a major difference in their physical capabilities.
Maximum Speeds by Species
The fastest members of the lagomorph family are the hares, which belong to the genus Lepus. The Black-tailed Jackrabbit, for instance, can achieve top speeds of approximately 45 miles per hour (72 kilometers per hour) in a short burst when fleeing danger. The European Hare (Lepus europaeus) is reported to be even faster, capable of reaching speeds up to 50 miles per hour (80 kilometers per hour) over brief distances.
In contrast, the true rabbits, such as the Eastern Cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus), possess lower top speeds. A wild cottontail generally reaches a maximum speed between 18 and 30 miles per hour (29 to 48 kilometers per hour) when evading a predator. The difference in speed between hares and rabbits is directly related to their lifestyle; hares rely purely on speed in open country, while rabbits use speed primarily to reach the safety of cover or burrows. Domesticated rabbit breeds are generally the slowest, often topping out around 25 to 30 miles per hour.
The Anatomy of a Rabbit Sprint
The remarkable speed of lagomorphs is due to specific anatomical adaptations centered on propulsion and flexibility. The most obvious feature is the disproportionately large size of the hind legs relative to the rest of the body. These powerful rear limbs contain a high concentration of fast-twitch muscle fibers, specialized for anaerobic, explosive movement.
The animal’s gait at top speed is known as the double-suspension gallop, a four-beat sequence involving two distinct moments where all four feet are off the ground. This unique movement is powered by the extreme flexibility of the vertebral column. The spine flexes dramatically to bring the hind feet far forward, then extends completely in mid-air to maximize the length of the stride.
Speed Versus Endurance
Despite their impressive maximum speeds, rabbits and hares are not built for prolonged running. Their muscular structure, dominated by fast-twitch fibers, is optimized for immediate, high-intensity exertion, meaning they are sprinters, not endurance runners. A full-speed burst is typically maintained for less than a minute before fatigue rapidly sets in.
The high-speed dash is a tactic for immediate evasion, allowing the animal to create distance from a predator quickly. During this sprint, rabbits frequently employ a zigzag pattern, which is highly effective because the sudden, sharp changes in direction are difficult for a pursuing predator to match. The ultimate goal is to reach a safe haven, such as a thicket or burrow, where they can escape the chase.