Wednesday, November 28, 2007

The Difference


Here’s how Wikipedia outlines the differences between the rabbit and the hare:

Hares do not bear their young below ground in a burrow as do other Leporidae, but rather in a shallow depression or flattened nest of grass called a form. Young hares are adapted to the lack of physical protection offered by a burrow by being born fully furred and with eyes open. They are hence able to fend for themselves very quickly after birth, that is to say they are precocial. By contrast, the related rabbits and cottontail rabbits are altricial, having young that are born blind and hairless.

All rabbits (except the cottontail rabbits) live underground in burrows or warrens, while hares (and cottontail rabbits) live in simple nests [known as forms] above the ground, and usually do not live in groups.

Hares are generally larger than rabbits, with longer ears, and have black markings on their fur.

Hares have not been domesticated, while rabbits are often kept as house pets.

The hare’s diet is very similar to that of the rabbit.


Image: European Hare.

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