One of the 8 hares on WAnimals
Mammals · Lagomorpha · Leporidae
Arctic Hare
Lepus arcticus
Least Concern
The species is abundant and widely distributed; it faces no significant short-term risk.
The Arctic hare is a large, heavily built lagomorph, with short ears and enormous hind feet that serve as snowshoes. It is adapted to extreme cold: a very dense coat, short extremities and the habit of digging shelters in the snow during blizzards. It feeds mainly on Arctic willow, which it finds by scraping beneath the snow with its claws. Unlike most hares, in winter it may gather in bands of dozens or even hundreds of animals.
Weight
2.5 kg – 7 kg
Size
43 cm – 70 cm
Life expectancy
5 years
