Mountain and Moorland

Writes Jill Mason in The Hare:

Mountain or Blue Hares have inhabited Britain for at least 12,000 years. They are often referred to as White hares. . . . They are found principally in Scotland where they share their habitat with grouse and tarmiga. They have also been introduced to some of the Scottish islands. Generally they have similar habits to the Brown hare although sometimes they gather in large groups.

The Mountain hare utilises the land that the Brown hare shuns, preferring open mountain and moorland. They tend to only be found at elevations above 1,500 ft (9500 metres). . . Mountain hares can also be found on the Isle of Man. There are none elsewhere either in Wales or England.


Image: Chris Sharratt.