A Leap of Hares

Hares or jackrabbits are similar to rabbits but are larger and have longer ears and long, powerful legs. They are herbivores and can run up to 45 miles per hour and leap up to ten feet at a time. Hares give birth above ground, unlike rabbits, and their babies are called leverets. Often, male hares can be seen “boxing” for dominance during mating season. Female hares also box males to prevent unwanted copulation. The hare was once regarded as an animal sacred to the Greek gods Aphrodite and Eros because of its high libido, and was presented as a gift of love.