European hares in tall grass

European hares in tall grass

Hares and rabbits are not interchangeable. These two European hares, sometimes simply called brown hares, are larger than rabbits. All hares are. They’ve longer legs, ears and a rangier build, which is better suited to their life above ground. For while rabbits gather in social groups called ‘herds’ and nest underground in warrens, adult hares are solitary for most of their lives, sleeping above ground in their grassland habitats. Hares are also quite fast - brown hares can sprint at 43 miles an hour.