Arctic Hare

Arctic Hare picture

Scientific Name – Lepus Articulus

Classification – Lepus

Gender Names – Male – Buck or Jack; Female – Doe; Babies – Leverets

Collective Noun – Drove

Average Length – 55 – 77 cm (19 – 27 in)

Average Weight – 4 – 5.5 kg (9 – 12 lb)

Top Speed – 60km/h (40mph)

Life Expectancy – 4 – 6 years

Mating Season – Spring and Early Summer

Pregnancy – 36-37 days

Special Features – coats turn white in winter for camouflage against predators. They moult during the mating season when their coat turns brown. They can survive in temperatures as low as -36C

Family Unit – live alone or in groups of varying sizes.

Distribution of Arctic Hares

Geographical Distribution –  North Pole, Canada, Greenland, Alaska

World Population – Unknown

Conservation Status – Low risk

Natural Habitat – Tundra and Rocky Areas

Diet – Herbivore (vegetarian) – buds, berries, twigs, mosses and woody plants

Predators – Snowy Owls, other birds of prey, wolves, foxes, weasels and polar bears

 

Harvard Reference for this page:

Heather Y Wheeler. (2015). Arctic Hare. Available: https://www.naturalhistoryonthenet.com/Mammals/arctic_hare.htm. Last accessed Monday, July 18, 2016.

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