Hares are often observed engaging in a unique behavior known as “boxing,” where they stand on their hind legs and rapidly paw at each other. This spectacle, reminiscent of a sparring match, can appear quite intense as the animals exchange quick, forceful blows with their forepaws. Such encounters are a distinct part of hare interactions, frequently catching the attention of observers in open fields.
Courtship and Mate Selection
The boxing behavior in hares is primarily a component of their mating ritual, most often initiated by the female. During the breeding season, male hares persistently pursue females, often in groups. When a female is not yet ready to mate or is assessing a suitor, she will turn and confront the male, rising onto her powerful hind legs.
The female uses her forepaws to deliver swift strikes, boxing the male to fend off unwanted advances. This aggressive display serves a purpose: it allows the female to test the male’s strength, endurance, and determination. By enduring her rebuffs and continuing his pursuit, a male demonstrates his fitness. The female’s defense ensures that only the most persistent and robust males succeed in mating.
This highlights female choice, as the female actively controls when and with whom she mates. If a male is not strong or persistent enough to withstand her defensive actions, she will reject him. The boxing can involve considerable force, with fur sometimes flying during the encounter. This interaction helps the female select a mate for strong offspring.
Beyond Courtship: Other Forms of Hare Aggression
While boxing is primarily linked to courtship, hares can exhibit other forms of aggression. Hares are generally solitary animals, but they interact, especially during high population density or competition. Aggression can also manifest as chases, pushing, or kicking, often involving their powerful hind legs.
These different aggressive behaviors may arise from territorial disputes, though hares are not strictly territorial. Males also compete for dominance or access to females, involving physical skirmishes. These male-on-male conflicts involve a broader range of physical interactions rather than the characteristic upright, pawing boxing motion. Understanding the context helps distinguish the specific purpose of courtship boxing from other general aggressive displays.
The Seasonal Context
Hare boxing is most common during their breeding season, which typically begins in late winter and extends through early spring. This period, especially around March, is why the phrase “mad as a March hare” became popular, referring to the seemingly erratic and frenzied activity of hares at this time. Increased hormonal activity in both males and females contributes to the frequency of these energetic interactions.
Hares can breed for a significant portion of the year, from January to September, but the peak of “madness” and boxing activity occurs when mating intensity is highest. The density of hares in open fields during this time also increases the likelihood of observing these unique courtship displays. This seasonal timing reinforces that boxing is primarily a reproductive behavior, driven by the need to find and select mates.