European Hare

zec · Lepus europaeus

mammalcommon

The long-eared hare of fields, meadows and forest edges across the country — most often a sudden explosion of speed zig-zagging away across a pasture at dawn or dusk.

Identification & best seen

Bigger and longer-legged than a rabbit, tawny-brown with black ear-tips; runs rather than burrows.

Habitat & where to see

Farmland, meadows and open woodland nationwide.

Fun fact

It can sprint at over 60 km/h and turn on a coin to shake off a fox or eagle.