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| Rabbits are born naked and blind in a concealed nest where they will develop for several weeks. In contrast, Hares are born with all of their fur, out in the open, without a nest, and are able to run swiftly within only a few short hours. The most common ‘rabbit’ in the Algonquin Highlands is the Snowshoe Hare. The Snowshoe Hare’s feet are long (11-15 cm) and help support the animal in soft snow. They adapt to winter conditions through a remarkable colour change from summer brown to winter white, with the exception of the eyes and tips of the ears. The males are smaller than the females, which is characteristic of Hares and Rabbits. The Snowshoe can run up to 43 kph and can jump over 3 meters in one hop. Breeding season is from mid-March to the end of August. They have up to four litters in a single season with an average of two to four young and are born fully furred. They feed at dusk, on green plants in summer and on twigs, buds and bark of shrubs and trees in winter. Rabbits are hunted by many predators, including the Fisher, Red Fox, Goshawk, Bobcat and Great Horned Owl. |
(Family Leporidae)
Snowshoe Hare (Lepus americanus)
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