Hare
Coinín
There weren’t always rabbits in Ireland! The Normans brought rabbits to Ireland in the 12th century. They love to make burrows (dig holes).
Rabbits have up to ten babies in every litter. Rabbit babies are born with no fur and are blind. Unfortunately, most wild rabbits don’t even live to the age of two. Pet rabbits can live to ten years old or even more.
Do you have a pet rabbit?
Hares
Giorria
The Irish hare is only found in Ireland. The coat of the Irish hare can change colour during the year. It can show white patches. Sometimes hares can even become fully white. These hares are usually found in wild grasslands.
Hares only have about 2 babies in every litter. Their babies are very different to rabbit babies. Hares are born with their fur coat and with their eyes open.
Lets look at more differences between Rabbits and Hares
| Hares | Rabbits |
|
There are not many hares in Ireland |
There are still a lot of rabbits in Ireland |
|
Hares live above ground |
Rabbits live underground |
|
Hares are picky eaters |
Rabbits can eat different types of food |
|
Hares do not have babies in their first year |
Rabbits can have babies from the age of three months |
|
Born with fur coat and eyes open |
Born with no fur and eyes shut |
| Hares only live for about 3 years in the wild | Rabbits live for around 1.5 years in the wild |