Hare

The common hare (Lepus europaeus) is one of the most common mammals in Europe. It is widespread in most of the country, but is most common in open landscapes with grass, scrub and bushes.

The hare is a large mammal that can grow up to 70 cm long and weigh up to 5 kg. It has long, brown fur with a white belly. The hare's ears are long and pointed, and its eyes are yellow. It is a fast animal that can run up to 80 km/h.

The hare is a herbivorous animal. It is also a good swimmer and can climb trees. The hare is actually found in most natural areas, but we don't see it very often. This is because the hare is a twilight and nocturnal animal.

During the day it hides and rests. In the evening it comes out and eats.

Main characteristics of hares:

Size: 50-70 cm long, 3-5 kg heavy

Fur colour: Brown with white belly

Eyes: Yellow

Ears: Long and pointed

Lifestyle: Nocturnal, herbivore

Distribution: Open landscapes with grass, scrub and bushes

Tips to avoid hares in the garden

Remove food sources. Hares are herbivores and eat plants incl. grass, herbs, vegetables and fruit. By removing food sources in the garden, you can make it less attractive to hares.

- Mow the grass regularly.

- Remove weeds.

- Remove vegetables and fruit into the garden when they are ripe.

- Plant plants that hares do not eat.

Put up fences. A fence is the most effective way to keep hares out of the garden. The fence must be at least 1.2 meters high and have a tight mesh so that the hares cannot get through.

Use deterrents. There are a number of deterrents that can help keep hares out of the garden. These methods are typically based on smells, audible sound, ultrasound or light (flash).

Hunting. If you have permission to hunt, you can help keep the population of hares down.