The arctic hare (polar rabbit) is adapted largely to polar and mountainous habitats. The beautiful arctic hare survives with thick fur and frequently digs holes in the ground or under the snow to keep warm and sleep. Arctic hares and rabbits are both members of the Lepus genus.
Arctic hares are the same as rabbits but have shorter ears, are taller when standing, and can thrive in cold climates. The Arctic hare is one of the largest living lagomorphs. Their fur is thicker and whiter in winter to blend in with the snow. Their magnificent black eyelashes protect their eyes from the glare of the sun on snow.
On average, arctic hare measures from 43 to 70 cm. They normally travel together with many other hares. This beautiful little animal occasionally huddles with dozens or more but is typically found alone, taking, in some cases, more than one partner. It can survive in the extreme cold of the Arctic tundra due to its adaptations. To escape the harsh winter, it digs burrows in the snow or ground to provide shelter and insulation.
They can run up to 60 kilometers per hour. Its predators include the arctic wolf, arctic fox, and ermine. Usually, the Arctic has been important to Native Americans. These fairly plenteous animals are hunted as a food source and for their fur, which is used to make clothing. Foods are scarce in the Arctic, but the diet contains primarily woody plants, including buds, berries, leaves, and grasses. During the severe winter, it can feed on even a stomach contents of other animals.
They can live over the tundra regions of Greenland and northernmost parts of Canada and Southern Labrador. Its coat color is molting and growing new fur from brown or gray in the summer to white in the winter, similar to some other arctic animals, including ermine and ptarmigan, enabling it to remain camouflaged as their environments change. With their powerful hoppers, Arctic hares may run as fast as thirty miles per hour. Their capacity to avoid predators and locate food is beneficial.
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