What is the Difference Between Rabbit and Hare?

Rabbits and hares are both part of the Lagomorph order, but they have several key differences in their physical appearance, behavior, and lifestyle. Here are the main differences between rabbits and hares:

1. Size: Rabbits are generally smaller than hares, with a body length of up to 40 cm and a weight of 1.2-2 kg. Hares, on the other hand, can reach up to 70 cm in length and weigh from 2-5 kg.
2. Color and Appearance: Hares have a grizzled russet brown color with pale bellies, amber eyes, black-topped white tails, and longer black-tipped ears. Rabbits are more of a grey-brown color, have shorter ears, dark brown eyes, and a fluffy white cotton ball tail.
3. Habitat: Rabbits prefer wooded areas with trees and shrubs, living in burrows dug into the soil. Hares live in open spaces like prairies and make their nests in small open depressions.
4. Lifestyle: Rabbits often live together in groups of up to 20 in underground tunnels known as warrens. Hares tend to live alone or in pairs and are more solitary.
5. Birth and Development: Baby rabbits (kits or kittens) are born furless, blind, and helpless, while baby hares (leverets) are born covered in fur and with open eyes. Rabbits need their mothers for about eight weeks, while leverets can move on their own within an hour of birth.

Despite their similarities, rabbits and hares have unique characteristics that set them apart, including differences in their physical appearance, behavior, and preferred habitats.

Comparative Table: Rabbit vs Hare

Here is a table comparing the differences between rabbits and hares: