Amazing Fun Facts about an Arctic Hare!

Did you know that the arctic hare is also called the polar rabbit? Also, did you know that these Arctic animals spend most of their time in burrows beneath the snow? Did you know that they can jump at great heights and run at incredible speeds?

Well, if you didn’t know any of these facts about arctic hares, this article will assist you with your knowledge. Let’s get started!

Here are some very fun facts about the arctic hare you would be interested to know;

Called Polar Rabbit

Polar rabbits are another name for Arctic hares. You could see these hares and think them to be rabbits. Apart from their shorter ears and taller nature when standing, they resemble rabbits. 

Do you know that, in contrast to rabbits, they can also endure extremely cold temperatures? In reality, polar rabbits are among the few creatures that can adapt to or endure the cold. 

The largest of all North American hares, Arctic hares, are found in the tundra regions of northern America. They can live for three to five years. 

They are known as polar rabbits because of their environment.

Also Read: Where Does The Arctic Hare Live?

Can Jump Up To 2 Meters

You might be interested to hear that the arctic hare can jump two to three meters in one go. It implies that they could leap over many people, including you if they so desired! 

They hop at a pace of 48.3 km/h while using their hind legs to push themselves, just like kangaroos. It’s simply amazing, isn’t it?

Runs Up To 60 Km/H

You won’t be mistaken if you say that the Arctic Hare is the fastest Arctic animal. When running on their four feet on the ground, they may reach speeds of up to 60 km/h, allowing them to outrun traffic in some urban areas. It also helps them avoid predators like wolves, red foxes, lynxes, and occasionally even people. 

Arctic hares are extremely apprehensive athletes. Are you confident that you can outrun one?

They Are Excellent Swimmers

The arctic hare is a skilled swimmer. They have little trouble swimming large distances and can swim quickly. Additionally, they have the capacity for extended submersion and deep diving. 

It is quite helpful when attempting to flee from predators or move to a new area.

It can easily float on the water’s surface thanks to the shape of its body. Second, it has long legs and powerful feet that enable it to swim quickly through water.

Also Read: How Arctic Hares Adapt the Cold and Harsh Conditions?

Fab Digger

Arctic hares are excellent diggers. Their ability to dig enables them to locate a residence or food. Arctic hares typically dig tunnels under the snow or the ground to absorb heat, stay warm, and doze off. 

The arctic hare has large claws, particularly on its hind legs, which it utilizes to burrow in compact snow. It uses its front legs to burrow beneath the snow to find food.

Disguise In The Snow

Have you ever wondered why an arctic hare’s winter fur turns white?

To blend in with the snow, hares become white during the winter. The Arctic Hare is typically brownish-gray or blue, but as winter approaches, it begins to change to white. It does this to blend in with the snow and fend off predators. 

Even yet, Arctic Hares in far northern America are entirely white throughout the year, with only the tips of their ears being black.

They Can See 360 Degree

Keeping the Arctic hare healthy is crucial because it depends on its vision to find food and avoid predators. Due to their unique eye anatomy, arctic hares can see in all directions! They need this skill to survive in the chilly, gloomy areas where they inhabit.

You can find the huge eyes of Arctic hares on the top of their heads. Their big eyes and eye positioning allow them to see 360 degrees without twisting their heads or making other movements. They can detect any danger or predator close by, thanks to this.

Also Read: What Do Arctic Hares Eat?

They Don’t Make Sound

Arctic hares lack a vocal organ. Hence they are unable to make noise. They listen for potential prey or predators using their hearing. They will freeze when they hear something, then sprint to get away.

You only hear the mother hare make low growling noises to signal her young when it is time to eat. They are usually silent until they scream when a predator attacks. They can stay hidden and evade predators thanks to this adaptation during the lean winter months.

Baby Arctic Hare Called Leverets

Leverets are young arctic hares. They must rely on their quick reactions and stamina to stay warm because they are born without fur. The smallest arctic hare species, the leveret, is just approximately half an inch long when it is born. 

They resemble a rabbit’s ear in size and weigh about six ounces when fully grown.

Adult Arctic Hare Can Weigh Up To 7kg.

Arctic hare adults can weigh up to 7kg. I think this is because 20% of their bodies are fat. Males tend to weigh slightly more than females. They have bushy tails and long ears. They are ideally suited to the chilly climate of the Arctic because of their warm, thick fur.

Without the tail, which is one-third of their total body length and is as long as the body itself, adults range in length from 54 to 61 cm. Compared to other rabbits, the ears are smaller and have a point at the end.

Conclusion

If you are ever fortunate enough to see an adult arctic hare, it might be camouflaging itself with its white fur or hiding in a burrow it dug within the snow. It may also be present on the tundra when it is immobile throughout the winter.

Do not be scared if the Arctic Hare suddenly emerges from the snow. It is because these Arctic creatures are harmless and have never attacked humans. They feel at home in the snow as you do on land.