The mountain Hare

The mountain Hare is fairly similar to its relative, the European Hare, but there are a number of characteristics that distinguish them. Both body shape as the tail, ears and eyes- are different among the two species. In addition the mountain hare changes its fur during the winter to a white, greyish-blue color.

Compared with the European Hare the mountain Hare has a smaller body and chubbier shape and its tail is short, white and shaped like a small ball. The ears of the mountain Hare are comparatively shorter and the eyes are dark reddish-brown unlike the pale yellowish-brown of the European Hare. In summer, the mountain Hares fur is greyish-brown to a dark gray color while the european hair is yellowish-brown.

The color of the fur of the mountain Hare varies between white and greyish-blue, depending on where in the country the Hare lives.  An adult mountain Hare is 45-55 cm long with a 5-7 cm long tail. It weighs 2,5-4,5 kg on average. Females are generally larger than males, which is rare among land mammals.