While often confused due to their similar appearance, rabbits and hares are distinct animals with notable differences. Both belong to the order Lagomorpha and the family Leporidae, but they have evolved along separate paths, resulting in unique physical, behavioral, and reproductive traits. Understanding these distinctions clarifies why they are not simply variations of the same creature.
Key Physical Distinctions
Hares are larger than most rabbits, with a longer, leaner build. Their ears are longer, often with distinctive black tips, and they have longer hind legs for powerful, sustained running. Rabbits have shorter ears without black tips and comparatively shorter hind legs. Fur color varies: rabbits are typically grey-brown, while hares often have grizzled russet-brown fur. Some hare species, like the snowshoe hare, change their coat to white in winter for camouflage.
Their young also differ significantly at birth. Baby rabbits, known as kits, are born altricial: hairless, blind, and entirely dependent on their mother. They remain in burrows for weeks. Baby hares, called leverets, are born precocial: fully furred, with open eyes, and able to move independently soon after birth. This allows them to navigate their exposed birth environments.
Behavioral and Reproductive Contrasts
Rabbits and hares display contrasting social structures and habitat preferences. Most rabbits are social, living in communal underground burrows called warrens that offer predator protection. They graze in groups, relying on collective vigilance. Hares are largely solitary, living above ground in shallow depressions called “forms.” Lacking burrows, they depend on camouflage and speed to evade threats.
Their lifestyles also influence locomotion and reproduction. Rabbits move with a darting, zig-zagging motion, seeking cover in burrows when threatened. Hares, built for open terrain, reach impressive speeds, with some species running up to 65 km/h (40 mph) over long distances to outrun predators. Rabbits have a short gestation (31-33 days) and produce multiple large litters annually. Hares have a longer gestation (40-42 days) and produce fewer, smaller litters, with young born more developed for exposed environments.
Taxonomic Relationship
Rabbits and hares are classified into different genera within the family Leporidae. Both are members of the order Lagomorpha, which also includes pikas, distinguishing them from rodents by a second set of upper incisors. For instance, the European rabbit belongs to the genus Oryctolagus, while true hares are classified under Lepus.
This taxonomic separation reflects millions of years of divergence. Sharing a common ancestor within Leporidae, rabbits and hares developed distinct adaptations for different ecological niches. This path led to their varied physical characteristics and behavioral strategies, solidifying their status as separate, though related, mammals.