How to Distinguish Between a Hare & a Rabbit

They may look similar, but rabbits and hares have significant differences. Both belong to the taxonomic family Leporidae, and they feature similar bodies, legs, ears and skull structures. However, these animal cousins differ in key respects, including size, diet, social behavior and nesting habits. Hares are larger and largely solitary, living in shallow above-ground nests, while the smaller rabbits dwell in family units in underground burrows or warrens.

Instructions

    • 1

      Look at differences at birth. Rabbits are born blind and hairless, and remain dependent on their mothers until they can see and walk. However, hares are born with the ability to move and see upon birth, and are even born with hair. In addition, hares often will leave their newborn within a few hours of birth, while rabbit mothers stay to protect the newborn until it is able to walk and see.

    • 2

      Notice differences in the coat. A hare's coat changes from brownish-gray in the summer to white in the winter, while a rabbit's coat stays the same throughout the seasons.

    • 3

      See if the creature lives above or below ground. Hares do not create burrows or tunnels, but instead live in shallow above-ground nests among the plants and vegetation in the area. Rabbits, however, dig burrows that they line with grass, bark and stems to protect themselves and their offspring.

    • 4

      Watch what the animals eat. While both are herbivores, rabbits eat soft food, such as stems, grass and vegetables, while hares eat hard foods such as bark, shoot, seeds and rinds.

    • 5

      Observe social behavior. Hares only come together to mate and are often found alone, searching for food or avoiding being food. Rabbits live in colonies.