European or Brown hare, Lepus europaeus, Norfolk
European or Brown hare, Lepus europaeus, Norfolk Brown hares are an introduced species to the UK, although now also a naturalised species. It is protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) and it is also a priority species under the UK's Biodiversity Framework. It is commonly found on open farmland or grassland habitat. It is entirely vegetarian, feeding on grasses and other vegetation as well as the bark of young trees. Unlike rabbits, Brown hares do not burrow, but shelter in shallow depressions called 'forms'. They can be recognised, and distinguished from rabbits, by their long ears which are black-tipped and by their black-topped tail. The Brown hare is also larger than rabbits and is morte yellow in colouring. The young are known as leverets and are born between February and September, with adult females rearing up to 3 or 4 litters each year. The young receive very little parental care to avoid attracting predators and are usually fed only once a day.
Size: 6583px × 4389px
Location: Norfolk, UK
Photo credit: © David Pike / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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