A large white-furred hare of the Arctic — adapted to extreme cold. Among the most physiologically extreme mammals, with thick fur and low surface-to-body ratio.

Also called: Polar Hare

Native status: Native; circumpolar Arctic

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 43–70 cm (17–28 in); ears 7–9 cm (short for a hare)
Weight3–7 kg (6.6–15.5 lb)
LifespanWild typically 3–5 years
OrderLagomorpha
FamilyLeporidae

§ Encyclopedia

The Arctic hare is a species of hare highly adapted to living in the Arctic tundra and other icy biomes. The Arctic hare survives with shortened ears and limbs, a small nose, fat that makes up close to 20% of its body, and a thick coat of fur. It usually digs holes in the ground or under the snow to keep warm and to sleep. Arctic hares look like rabbits but have shorter ears, are taller when standing, and, unlike rabbits, can thrive in extreme cold. They can travel together with many other hares, sometimes huddling with dozens or more, but are usually found alone, sometimes taking more than one partner. The Arctic hare can run up to 60 kilometres per hour (40 mph).

Source: Wikipedia — Arctic hare Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Large all-white hare in winter; brown back, white belly in summer (southern populations). Short ears compared to other hares. Black eyelids.

Similar species. Snowshoe Hare (smaller, brown in summer, large hind feet, southern range). Mountain Hare (Eurasia). Other Arctic mammals are not lagomorphs.

Voice. Generally silent; high-pitched scream when seized.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Arctic willow, dryas, mosses, lichens, woody twigs. Eats own droppings (cecotrophy) to extract additional nutrients from poor-quality forage.

Behavior. Builds spectacular winter "herds" of 100–300+ individuals — among the few hares that aggregate (most are solitary). Stays white year-round in the high Arctic where snow persists; populations in southern range turn brown in summer. Can sprint up to 64 km/h (40 mph). Body shape (short ears, compact body) minimizes heat loss in extreme cold.

§ Range

Arctic Canada, Greenland, Alaska

§ Habitat

Arctic tundra

§ Threats

Climate-driven Arctic warming, predator population shifts.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the arctic hare is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Support Arctic conservation. Reduce climate impact emissions.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • Polar Geography
  • Smithsonian Arctic Studies Center
  • Government of Nunavut Wildlife Information
  • IUCN Red List 2019