Hare vs Rabbit: What Is the Difference Between a Hare and a Rabbit?
At first glance, hares and rabbits can look almost identical. Both have long ears, powerful hind legs, fluffy tails, and belong to the same animal family. However, hares and rabbits are not the same animal.
Although they are closely related, they differ in their appearance, behavior, habitat, reproduction, and how their babies develop. One of the easiest ways to remember the difference is that hares are generally born more developed and spend much of their lives above ground, while rabbits usually give birth to less-developed babies in underground nests or burrows.
So, what exactly separates a hare from a rabbit? Let’s take a closer look.
What Is a Rabbit?
Rabbits are small mammals belonging to the family Leporidae, which they share with hares. There are many different species of rabbits found across various parts of the world.
Wild rabbits commonly live in grasslands, meadows, forests, deserts, and other environments where they can find food and shelter. Some species construct extensive underground burrow systems known as warrens.
Rabbits are generally social animals, and some species live in groups. They often spend time close to their burrows, which provide protection from predators and harsh weather.
Domestic rabbits are descendants of the European rabbit and have been selectively bred into many different breeds, sizes, colors, and coat types.
What Is a Hare?
Hares are also members of the family Leporidae, but they belong to different species and genera than rabbits.
Hares are generally larger and have longer legs and larger ears than rabbits. They are built for speed and are particularly adapted to escaping predators in open environments.
Unlike many rabbits, hares typically do not live in underground burrows. Instead, they may rest in shallow depressions in vegetation or soil called forms.
Hares are usually more solitary than rabbits and spend much of their lives above ground.
Hare vs Rabbit: Key Differences
Although individual species vary, there are several common differences between hares and rabbits.
| Feature | Hare | Rabbit |
|---|---|---|
| Body size | Generally larger | Generally smaller |
| Legs | Longer and more powerful | Shorter |
| Ears | Usually longer | Usually shorter |
| Speed | Generally faster | Generally slower |
| Habitat | Often open areas | Many different habitats |
| Shelter | Usually rests above ground | Many species use burrows |
| Newborn babies | Born relatively developed | Born relatively undeveloped |
| Baby name | Leveret | Kit or kitten |
| Eyes at birth | Usually open | Usually closed |
| Fur at birth | Usually covered in fur | Usually naked or sparsely furred |
| Lifestyle | Often more solitary | Many species are social |
These differences are useful general guidelines, although nature doesn’t always fit perfectly into simple categories.
1. Hares Are Usually Larger Than Rabbits
One of the most noticeable differences is body size.
Hares are generally larger, with longer bodies, larger hind legs, and longer ears. Their bodies are built for running quickly over open ground.
Rabbits are typically smaller and more compact. Their shorter legs are better suited to hopping and maneuvering around vegetation and burrows.
However, size alone isn’t a perfect way to identify an animal because different rabbit and hare species can vary considerably.
2. Hares Have Longer Legs and Are Built for Speed
Hares are famous for their powerful hind legs.
When threatened, a hare can run at high speed and use its long legs to make rapid turns and powerful leaps. This is particularly useful because many hares live in relatively open environments where there may be fewer places to hide.
Rabbits can also run surprisingly fast when escaping predators, but many rely more heavily on vegetation, burrows, and other forms of shelter.
3. Hares Usually Have Longer Ears
Both animals are known for their large ears, but hares generally have longer ears in proportion to their heads.
Those large ears aren’t just for hearing predators. They also help regulate body temperature by allowing heat to escape through the many blood vessels in the ears.
Some hare species have ears that are almost comically large compared with their heads.
Rabbits also have excellent hearing and use their ears to detect potential danger.
4. Rabbits Often Live in Burrows
One of the easiest behavioral differences to remember is where they live.
Many wild rabbits use burrows or underground warrens for shelter. These tunnels can provide protection from predators, extreme temperatures, and other environmental dangers.
Hares generally don’t dig extensive underground burrow systems. Instead, they often rest above ground in shallow depressions hidden among vegetation.
This difference becomes especially important when comparing their babies.
5. Hare Babies and Rabbit Babies Are Very Different
The difference between newborn hares and rabbits is one of the clearest distinctions between the two animals.
A baby hare is called a leveret.
Leverets are born relatively well developed. They are usually born with fur, and their eyes are open or open very soon after birth. They can move around shortly after being born and are much better prepared to survive above ground.
A baby rabbit is commonly called a kit or kitten.
Rabbit kits are generally born much less developed. They are usually hairless or have very little fur, and their eyes are closed. They depend heavily on their mother for warmth, protection, and nourishment during their early days.
Why Are Their Babies So Different?
The difference is closely connected to their lifestyles.
Because hares generally give birth above ground, their young need to be relatively well developed from birth. Being able to see, move, and regulate their body temperature helps them survive in an exposed environment.
Rabbits that use protected underground nests can give birth to babies that are less developed because the burrow provides shelter.
6. Hares Are Often More Solitary
Hares are commonly more solitary animals.
Outside of breeding periods or certain social situations, many hare species spend much of their time alone.
Rabbits, on the other hand, can be highly social. Some wild rabbit species live in groups within interconnected burrow systems.
Domestic rabbits also have strong social needs and can form close bonds with other rabbits and humans.
7. Hares Tend to Live Above Ground
Hares are adapted to living above ground.
Instead of relying on deep underground burrows, they may hide in shallow depressions in grass or vegetation. These resting places are sometimes called forms.
Their coloring can also help them blend into their surroundings.
Some hare species undergo seasonal changes in their coat color. For example, certain species that live in snowy environments can develop white winter coats that provide camouflage.
8. Rabbits Can Be More Dependent on Cover and Burrows
Rabbits often use vegetation, rocks, brush, and underground burrows to avoid predators.
When danger approaches, a rabbit may quickly disappear into a nearby burrow.
This provides an important survival advantage because predators may be unable to follow them underground.
Some rabbit species, however, don’t live in traditional deep burrow systems. Species differ in their behavior and habitat, so the burrow distinction isn’t universal.
9. Hares and Rabbits Have Different Body Shapes
Look closely and you’ll often notice that hares have a more athletic appearance.
Hares generally have:
- Longer hind legs
- Longer front legs
- Larger ears
- A larger body
- A more elongated appearance
- Powerful muscles adapted for running
Rabbits generally have:
- More compact bodies
- Shorter legs
- Smaller proportions
- A rounder appearance in many species
- Body structures adapted for hopping and navigating cover
These aren’t absolute rules, but they can help when identifying an unfamiliar animal.
10. They Are Closely Related
Despite their differences, hares and rabbits are close relatives.
Both belong to the family Leporidae, which is part of the order Lagomorpha.
Interestingly, rabbits and hares aren’t rodents, even though they were historically sometimes grouped with rodents because of their prominent front teeth.
Lagomorphs have distinctive dental characteristics that separate them from rodents.
Are Hares and Rabbits the Same Species?
No.
“Hare” and “rabbit” refer to different groups of animals within the family Leporidae.
There are numerous species of rabbits and numerous species of hares.
For example, the European rabbit is Oryctolagus cuniculus, while the brown hare is Lepus europaeus. They are related but belong to different genera.
Can Hares and Rabbits Mate?
Although hares and rabbits are closely related, they generally cannot successfully interbreed.
Their evolutionary differences are significant enough that they are considered separate groups, and the common idea that a hare is simply a wild rabbit isn’t correct.
Is a Jackrabbit a Rabbit?
Despite its name, a jackrabbit is actually a hare.
Jackrabbits are members of the genus Lepus, the same genus that includes many true hares.
The name “jackrabbit” can therefore be misleading.
Their extremely long ears and powerful hind legs are clues that they are hares rather than true rabbits.
What Do Hares and Rabbits Eat?
Both animals are primarily herbivores.
Their diets can include:
- Grass
- Leaves
- Herbs
- Flowers
- Shoots
- Twigs
- Bark
- Other plant material
Their exact diets depend on the species and the environment where they live.
Both rabbits and hares also produce specialized fecal pellets and practice a behavior called cecotrophy, in which they consume certain soft fecal material to recover nutrients that weren’t absorbed during the first passage through their digestive system.
Which Is Faster: A Hare or a Rabbit?
Generally, hares are faster than rabbits.
Their long legs, strong muscles, and streamlined bodies allow many hare species to reach impressive speeds.
Speed is particularly important for hares because many live in open habitats where running away from predators may be one of their primary defenses.
Rabbits can also move quickly, especially over short distances, but their survival strategy often involves reaching cover or a burrow.
Why Do People Confuse Hares and Rabbits?
It’s easy to understand why people confuse them.
Both animals:
- Have long ears
- Have powerful back legs
- Have fluffy tails
- Eat plants
- Hop or run
- Belong to the same family
- Have similar body shapes
- Can be found in overlapping types of environments
The biggest clues are usually size, body shape, habitat, and the development of their babies.
Hare vs Rabbit: The Simple Way to Remember
If you need a quick way to remember the difference, think of it this way:
Hare = larger, longer-legged, faster, usually above ground, and babies are born more developed.
Rabbit = generally smaller, more compact, often uses burrows, and babies are born less developed.
Of course, there are exceptions because the Leporidae family contains many different species with their own unique adaptations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a hare just a big rabbit?
No. Hares and rabbits are closely related but are different animals. They belong to different genera and have important differences in body structure, behavior, habitat, and reproduction.
Do rabbits live underground?
Many wild rabbit species use underground burrows or warrens, but not every rabbit species depends on underground burrows.
Do hares dig burrows?
Hares generally do not create the extensive underground burrow systems associated with many rabbits. They commonly rest above ground in shallow depressions called forms.
What is a baby hare called?
A baby hare is called a leveret.
What is a baby rabbit called?
A baby rabbit is commonly called a kit or kitten.
Which has longer ears, a hare or a rabbit?
Hares generally have longer ears relative to their body size, although ear size varies between species.
Which is faster, a hare or a rabbit?
Hares are generally faster because their bodies and long hind legs are particularly adapted for running.
Final Thoughts
Hares and rabbits may look similar, but they have evolved different ways of surviving in the wild. Hares tend to be larger, faster, longer-legged animals that live primarily above ground, while many rabbits are smaller, more compact animals that rely on burrows and protected nests.
Perhaps the most fascinating difference can be seen at birth. Baby hares are born relatively well developed, while baby rabbits are born helpless and dependent on their mothers.
So the next time you see a long-eared animal hopping through a field, don’t automatically call it a rabbit. Its size, ears, legs, habitat, and behavior might reveal that you’re actually looking at a hare.
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