Any novice zoologist is well aware that the Arctic hare is a hare that is well adapted to exist in mountainous and polar regions. He adapted well to the harsh northern climate, and for life he chooses mainly wastelands and bare patches of land.
Brief Description of Appearance
The average length of an adult four-kilogram individual reaches 55-70 centimeters. By analogy with most of its relatives, the Arctic hare has a small fluffy tail and powerful long hind legs, allowing it to quickly jump in deep snow. The head of the animal is decorated with relatively short ears, and the body is covered with thick fur, which helps to better tolerate subzero temperatures. Hares living in the far north have a white fur coat. Individuals inhabiting other regions acquire a grayish-blue tint in the summer, thanks to which they easily disguise themselves as local vegetation and rocks.
Where does this species live?
The Arctic hare inhabits the most northern regions of the Canadian Arctic archipelago and Greenland. It can also often be found in Labrador, Newfoundland and on Ellesmere Island. This animal is equally well arranged in the highlands and lowlands. In summer, hares choose areas in which vegetation grows rapidly. In the winter, they move to secluded corners, in which you do not need to dig deep to get food. They try to avoid wet meadows, preferring to settle in a drier area.
The Arctic hare can make seasonal migrations. So, the whites that live in Rankin Inlet, in late spring, move from the mainland to small islands. The main reason for this relocation is considered to be the smaller number of predators living there.
What does the polar hare eat?
Arctic hare belongs to the category of herbivores. The basis of his diet are woody plants. It can also feast on grass, leaves, berries and buds. The animal has a well-developed scent, so it’s easy to dig out roots and willow twigs hidden under a layer of snow.
In addition, cases have been recorded that the Arctic hare consumed bark, sedge, lichens, mosses and even meat from hunting traps. He can also eat tidal algae. During the meal, the hare tries to lean on its hind legs, raking the front snow, under which the edible vegetation is hidden. After eating, they must clean their fur. To get food hidden under a solid layer of snow, the animal strikes it with its powerful paws, and then begins to gnaw at the ice crust.
Propagation Features
The mating period usually falls on April-May. At this time, the whites are divided into pairs, but one male can have several females at once. The hare, choosing a secluded place behind the rocks or under a bush, digs a hole there and lines it with fur and grass. The average gestational age of a female is 36-42 days. The closer to the north, the later rabbits are born.
In a litter, as a rule, there are from four to eight babies, each of which weighs 56-113 grams. They are born already sighted, and their body is covered with gray-brown hair. Just a few minutes after the birth of the baby, they are already able to ride. Two-week-old hares become more independent and no longer need their mother so much. By September, they become like their parents, and next season they begin to breed.
