The hare is a fast-moving mammal often seen darting across fields and open spaces. Hares are physically distinct from their close relatives, rabbits, possessing longer ears and powerful hind legs built for speed. Unlike rabbits, hares do not burrow, instead resting in shallow depressions called forms. Hares are typically solitary, but they occasionally gather, which has led to the creation of specific, though often obscure, terminology. This article clarifies the traditional terms used for a group of hares and explores the biological context that makes these collective nouns rare.
The Collective Nouns for Hares
The terms used to describe a group of hares are multiple, reflecting the archaic and literary origins of these collective nouns. One of the more commonly cited terms is a “drove” of hares, suggesting a group moving together in a purposeful manner across open terrain. Another accepted, yet less frequent, collective noun is a “husk” of hares, which may refer to a small gathering. The term “down” is also used. A more specialized term is a “leash” of hares, which specifically refers to a group of three. Because hares do not live in communal underground tunnel systems, the word “warren” is generally reserved for rabbits. These multiple terms underscore that hares rarely gather in large, stable social units.
Understanding Hare Social Behavior
The variety and archaic nature of the collective nouns stem directly from the hare’s solitary lifestyle. Hares are largely independent animals, spending most of their time alone or in pairs. Their survival strategy relies on speed and camouflage within their simple ground forms. This preference for isolation means that large, cohesive groups are not the norm, unlike the social colonies formed by rabbits. When hares do congregate, the gathering is typically fleeting and driven by environmental necessity or reproductive cycles. One instance of temporary grouping occurs in areas of abundant, high-quality forage, where several individuals may feed near one another.
Mating Season Grouping
The most noticeable instance of hares grouping is during the spring mating season, famously associated with the phrase “mad as a March hare.” This is when the energetic behavior known as “boxing” takes place. Boxing occurs when a female (doe) uses her forepaws to strike an overly persistent male (buck) attempting to mate. The female’s action serves as a test of the male’s fitness and a way to deter unwanted attention. A doe can be observed attempting to fend off multiple pursuing males, temporarily creating a small, dynamic group. This annual reproductive frenzy is one of the few times multiple hares are seen together, which highlights why their collective names are based on transient behavior.