The Easter Bunny’s Wild Cousins: The Difference Between a Rabbit and a Hare
As Easter approaches, images of rabbits and hares fill greeting cards, chocolates, and festive decorations. But how much do we really know about these fascinating creatures? While they may look similar, rabbits and hares are quite different, both in their behaviour and in the way they should be cared for if found in the wild.
The Key Differences Between Rabbits and Hares
Rabbits and hares belong to the same family, Leporidae, but their lifestyles set them apart. Wild rabbits, like the European rabbit, tend to live in groups and dig complex burrows underground called warrens. They are social animals that rely on their burrow systems for protection from predators.
Hares, on the other hand, lead more solitary lives. They do not dig burrows; instead, they create small depressions in the grass called forms. Born fully furred with open eyes, young hares—known as leverets—are much more developed at birth than rabbits, which are born blind and hairless in nests underground.
Hares are built for speed, with longer legs and larger bodies that allow them to run at incredible speeds to escape danger. Rabbits, being smaller and more compact, rely on hiding and quick dashes to their burrows for safety.
How Brent Lodge Wildlife Hospital Cares for Wild Rabbits and Hares
At Brent Lodge Wildlife Hospital, many injured, sick, or orphaned wild animals are brought in for care, including rabbits and hares. These animals often fall victim to road accidents, habitat destruction, and encounters with domestic pets. The hospital provides them with medical attention, nourishment, and a safe place to recover before being released back into their natural habitat.
Baby rabbits and hares are frequently rescued, but they require specialized care. Unlike domestic rabbits, wild rabbits and hares have very specific dietary and environmental needs. Hand rearing hares is incredibly challenging and delicate. While feeding and caring are fairly straightforward, they can become incredibly stressed whilst in temporary captivity and deteriorate very quickly.
Typically, the initial rearing stage is done by one handler, so the babies gain the trust of the person feeding them. It is important to keep their stress levels low to reduce the risk of them deteriorating. They are often housed in a quiet area away from the public and other potential stressors. The goal of the hospital is always to rehabilitate and return them to the wild, where they belong.
What to Do If You Find a Lone Leveret or Rabbit
Springtime is when young rabbits and hares are most commonly found alone, leading people to believe they are abandoned. However, this is often not the case. Leverets, for example, are left alone by their mothers during the day to avoid attracting predators, and they are fed only at dawn and dusk. If you see a lone leveret, it is best to leave it undisturbed unless it is visibly injured or in danger.
If you come across a baby rabbit that appears to be in distress, check for signs of a nearby nest. If the nest is intact and undisturbed, place the rabbit back inside and leave the area. If the nest has been destroyed or the baby is injured, contact a wildlife rescue centre like Brent Lodge for advice before intervening.
Why Rabbits and Hares Are Associated with Easter
The connection between rabbits, hares, and Easter dates back centuries. Hares were once associated with ancient fertility goddesses due to their rapid reproduction rates. The legend of the Easter Bunny likely stems from German folklore, where an egg-laying hare, known as the "Osterhase," was said to deliver eggs to well-behaved children.
Over time, rabbits replaced hares in many Easter traditions, especially in popular culture. However, the symbolism of renewal, fertility, and spring remains tied to both animals.
Why Wild Rabbits and Hares Should Not Be Kept as Pets
It may be tempting to keep a wild rabbit or hare as a pet, but these animals are not suited for domestication. Unlike domestic rabbits, which have been bred for generations to be comfortable around humans, wild rabbits and hares are naturally fearful and stress easily in captivity. Keeping them confined can cause severe distress and health problems.
Wild rabbits and hares also have very different dietary and habitat needs compared to their domestic counterparts. Attempting to raise a wild rabbit or hare in a home environment can do more harm than good. The best thing we can do for them is to respect their wild nature and seek professional help if they are injured or in need of care.
Supporting Wildlife This Easter
This Easter, as we celebrate with chocolate bunnies and egg hunts, let’s also take a moment to appreciate the real animals that inspired these traditions. If you want to support the incredible work that Brent Lodge Wildlife Hospital does, consider donating or volunteering to help care for wildlife in need.
By understanding the difference between wild rabbits and hares and domesticated rabbits, we can better protect them and ensure that future generations can enjoy the natural world around us
By Asha Park
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