Arctic hare

Animals

Arctic hare

Origin:
The Arctic hare (Lepus arcticus) is a species of hare that inhabits the Arctic regions and is adapted to living in extremely cold environments. It is found in northern regions such as Alaska, Canada, Greenland and other Arctic regions. This species is adapted to the harsh conditions of the tundra and frozen lands.

Specifics:
Appearance: The Arctic hare has short ears, strong legs and thick white fur, which provides it with perfect camouflage in the winter environment. In the summer, its fur changes to brown or gray to blend in with its surroundings, which constantly change depending on the season.
Size: The body length ranges from 45 to 60 cm, with a tail measuring 6–10 cm. Weight is usually 2–3 kg, with females being slightly larger than males.
Behavior: The Arctic hare is active all year round and is a solitary animal that usually lives on open plains, where it creates its underground shelter. It is very fast and agile, often moving in jumps that help it escape from predators.

Interesting facts:
Winter camouflage: The Arctic hare has excellent adaptations for surviving in winter. Its white fur provides it with protection from predators such as eagles, foxes or wolves, which would otherwise have difficulty finding the hare hidden in snowy areas.
Movement and speed: This hare is incredibly fast and can jump up to 3 meters, allowing it to quickly get out of danger. Its jumps are highly energy-intensive and help it escape from predators.
Coat Change: Throughout the year, the Arctic hare adapts to the changing seasons, with its coat being brown or gray in spring and summer, while in winter it turns white, providing ideal camouflage on snowy plains.
Creative Shelters: Arctic hares create burrows and dig shelters in the ground to hide from bad weather and predators.
Occurrence:
The Arctic hare lives in the cold regions of the Arctic, mainly in Alaska, Canada, Greenland and the northern Siberian coast. It is found in the tundra, where temperatures can drop to −40 °C. The species is known for its ability to survive in these extreme conditions.

Arctic hare hunting:
Hunting of Arctic hares is often permitted in Arctic regions, but is regulated and may be restricted in some areas where population protection is ensured. In the past, it was hunted for its skin, but nowadays its populations are mostly protected, which is why this species is more commonly found in protected areas.