European Hare

speedy runner · grassland animal · Europe · herbivore

Super-fast sprinter. European hares can run at speeds up to 35 miles per hour and change direction quickly to dodge predators like foxes and eagles. Their long, powerful back legs are like coiled springs ready to launch them to safety.

Grass and plant eater. These hares love munching on grasses and herbs, but when winter arrives and food gets scarce, they nibble on twigs, buds, bark, and farm crops to survive the cold months.

Big nose for speed. European hares have unusually large nostrils that help them breathe easily while running at top speed across open fields and meadows.

One of the biggest hares. The European hare is among the largest hare species in the world, much bigger than the common rabbit you might see in a garden.

Smart escape artist. Instead of hiding in burrows like rabbits do, hares survive by relying on their incredible speed and ability to outrun danger in open country.