Rabbits and hares look strikingly similar. They both have long ears, are fast runners, and are easily scared. However, there are plenty of differences between the two.
Size
The main difference between the two is their size. Hares are usually bigger than rabbits. While rabbits can grow up to 20 inches in length and weigh around four pounds, hares’ body length reaches up to 30 inches and can weigh up to 10 pounds.
Appearance
If you look closely, the difference in appearance between the two is easily noticeable. For example, hares have longer ears and hind legs and black markings on their fur. Additionally, their fur changes depending on the season, while rabbits keep the same fur color year-round.
Habitat
Rabbits prefer to spend their days surrounded by trees and bushes, living in burrows in the ground. Hares, on the other hand, like to live in open areas like grasslands and savannas, where they make nests in shallow pits.
Speed
We know rabbits can be really fast, reaching speeds of 35 mph. However, hares are even faster, being able to run at a speed of 45 mph. This is why rabbits will usually respond to the attack of a predator by trying to find a hiding place, while hares will attempt to outrun them.
