Hares & Rabbits

Hares and rabbits look similar, but are different species.  Hare is part of the common name of five species of rabbit.

Some differences between hares and rabbits :

• Hares have 48 chromosomes and rabbits 44

•  Hares are born fully furred with their eyes open, while rabbits are born hairless and blind

• Hares are bigger than rabbits and have longer ears

• Hares are have not been domesticated and are native to the area.  In contrast rabbits in the area were probably released or escaped from residential areas.

• Rabbits commonly live in groups while hares do not. 

The photo below shows a snowshoe hare.