See Also: Hare(medicine)
hare(4)(dictionary)
hare(3)(dictionary)
hare(2)(dictionary)
hare(1)(dictionary)
hare(encyclopedia)
O'Hare(dictionary)
sea hare(medicine)
hare's-ear(medicine)
hare's eye(medicine)

hare (sh)




Bounding mammal (in the family Leporidae) whose young, unlike those of rabbits, are born fully haired, with open eyes, and sufficiently advanced to hop about a few minutes after birth.

The common hare (Lepus europaeus) is native to central and southern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa; introduced into Australia, it has become a pest there. In North America the jackrabbit and snowshoe hare are widespread. Many other species occur naturally on all principal landmasses except Australia. Hares have well-developed hind legs, and the ears are usually longer than the head. Species vary in length from 16 to 28 in. (40-70 cm), without the short tail. Hares in northern latitudes are white in winter and grayish brown in summer; elsewhere, they are usually grayish brown year-round. Hares are primarily herbivorous.


Black-tailed jackrabbit (Lepus californicus)

(Top) ? G.C. Kelley/Photo Researchers, (bottom) Gordon Langsbury/Bruce Coleman Ltd.