The ARCTIC TUNDRA HARE is not the same thing as a SNOWSHOE
HARE(which does not, really, live in the Arctic) pictured above. It is not even the same as a RABBIT.
Bush- rabbits or Cottontail rabbits (below) are among the 16
lagomorph species in the genus Sylvilagus, found in the Americas. In
appearance, most cottontail rabbits closely resemble the wild European rabbit
(Oryctolagus cuniculus). Most Sylvilagus species have stub tails with white
undersides that show when they retreat; giving them their name,
"cottontails".
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The brush rabbit (Image directly above) is smaller than many of the other cottontails, and unlike most of them, the underside of its tail is grey rather than white (which may be why its common name does not include the word "cottontail"). The upperside of the brush rabbit's fur varies from light brown to grey
in colour while the underside is usually always white. Adult rabbits measure anywhere from 10–14 inches long and rarely weigh over two pounds.
This feature is not present in some cottontails (for
example, the underside of the brush rabbit's tail is grey), nor is it unique to
the genus (for example, the European rabbit also has a white scut).
The genus is widely distributed across North America,
Central America, and northern and central South America, though most species
are confined to particular regions. Most (though not all) species live in nests
called forms, and all have antiracial young.
North American Cottontail rabbits show a greater resistance to myxomatosis
than European rabbits.
There are TWO HARES THAT DO LIVE IN ARCTIC AREAS - they are the
Arctic hare (Lepus articus) and the Tundra hare (Lepus othus).
The major difference between them is where
they live, and the colour their tail turns. The Arctic hare is larger than a
snowshoe(which is 18-20 inches in length and weighs only 3 to 4 pounds). His fur is long and white all the way through in the winter and his
ears are blackish around the edges. In the summer his coat is greyish brown on
top and white beneath.
Characteristics and Physical Features of the Arctic Hare
Identification:
Size: 22-28 in.
Weight: 9-12 lbs.
Colour: Brown in the summer, white in the winter. Ears
tipped with black year round.
Other distinguishing Characteristics: Short ears, and a fur
coat that changes colour with the seasons make the Arctic and Tundra hare
special.
Habitat: Range: Lepus articus live in Canada and Greenland.
Lepus othus (generally smaller) lives only in Alaska. The Arctic hare likes to live on the rocky
slopes and upland tundra of the Arctic. They like to live in groups. They don't
like to live in wooded areas-snowshoe or low areas-tundra hare habitat.
Diet: The food they eat is mostly willow - the leaves,
shoots, bark and roots - and grasses, flowers, saxifrage and crowberry. In
summer, it feeds on plants such as, grass, ferns and leaves; in winter, it eats
twigs, the bark from trees, and buds from flowers and plants. However, the
Arctic hare, has been known to steal meat from baited traps. Hares are
carnivorous under the availability of dead animals, and have been known to eat
dead rodents such as mice; supposedly, due to low availability of protein in an
herbivorous diet. It can sometimes be seen feeding in small groups. This animal
is mainly active at night and does not hibernate.
Why does an Arctic hare have camouflage? The Arctic hare
looks a lot different from the rabbits and hares that you see anywhere outside
of the Arctic. In the summertime the Arctic hare is brown with black flecks.
This helps to camouflage it during the growing season. When the weather starts
to change the Arctic hare starts to change too. So that during the winter its
coat is completely white. This change helps to protect it during the winter.
Broiled Hare or Rabbit:-Truthfully this recipe is steamed
1. Skin and clean rabbit or hare, wipe dry.
2. Split down the back and pound flat.
3. Wrap in heavy oiled paper. Hare or rabbit may be broiled (true broiling) without the oiled paper, but it will not be so juicy.
4. Broil at 350 F. until browned and tender, turning frequently.
5. Remove the paper and serve on a hot platter, seasoned with salt, pepper and butter, turning over and over so it will take up the fat. Serves 4 to 6.
©Al (Alex-Alexander) D. Girvan. All rights reserved.
