Hares are mammals belonging to the genus Lepus. As one of the largest members of the order Lagomorpha, they are built with a physique optimized for open landscapes. The overall impression of a hare is one of leanness, possessing a streamlined body that contrasts with the stockier build of their rabbit relatives. Their appearance is defined by adaptations, from powerful limbs to highly specialized ears.
Overall Body Structure and Size
Hares exhibit an elongated and slender body structure. The typical body length of a mature hare ranges from 16 to 28 inches, not including the tail. Their weight commonly falls between 3 and 13 pounds, with the heaviest species, like the Arctic Hare, reaching the upper end of this range.
This athletic physique is designed for high-speed endurance running across open fields and grasslands. When moving, their gait is characterized by long, bounding leaps powered by their specialized hindquarters. When resting, a hare typically settles into a shallow depression in the ground called a form, where its low-slung posture aids in remaining concealed against the terrain.
Distinctive Features: Ears and Legs
The hare’s exceptionally long ears can measure up to 8 inches in some species, often exceeding the length of the head itself. These prominent appendages are highly mobile, capable of independent rotation up to 270 degrees, allowing the animal to pinpoint the exact location of sounds. The ears also feature an extensive network of blood vessels that aid in thermoregulation, helping to dissipate excess body heat.
The hare possesses disproportionately long hind legs that provide leverage for explosive acceleration and speed bursts up to 45 miles per hour. The feet are large and often heavily furred, which provides necessary traction and can also distribute weight, as seen in the snowshoe hare’s broad feet that function like natural snowshoes. This powerful rear structure is the driving force behind the hare’s characteristic leaping motion.
Coat and Coloration
The fur covering a hare’s body is typically dense, but it is often described as having a rougher, “grizzled” texture compared to the soft coat of a rabbit. Common coloration includes various shades of brown, gray, and russet, which provides effective camouflage in open habitats like prairies and tundra. Many species exhibit a countershading effect, where the dorsal (upper) side is darker and the ventral (under) side is lighter, helping to visually flatten the animal against the ground.
Northern species, such as the Snowshoe Hare and Arctic Hare, undergo a seasonal change in coat color. Their summer brown or gray fur is replaced by a white coat in winter, providing camouflage against a snowy backdrop. The tail, or scut, is noticeably short and often features a dark stripe along the top, contrasting with the lighter underside.
Key Distinctions from Rabbits
Hares are frequently confused with rabbits, but their appearance reveals several consistent differences. The hare is generally larger and more streamlined, presenting a longer, more angular profile compared to the rabbit’s typically compact, stockier build.
Hares possess significantly longer ears and more elongated hind legs than rabbits. The ears of many hare species also feature distinctive black markings at the tips, which are absent in most rabbits. Young hares, known as leverets, are born precocial—fully furred, with their eyes open, and ready to move shortly after birth—a stark contrast to the blind, hairless young of rabbits.