Hare vs. Rabbit: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Hares are larger, have longer ears, and live in open fields. Rabbits are smaller, have shorter ears, and live in burrows.
Key Differences
Hares are typically larger and faster than rabbits, with longer hind legs and ears. They are adapted for running and are generally solitary. Rabbits are smaller, have shorter ears, and are more adapted for digging, living in complex burrow systems known as warrens.
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Dec 13, 2023
Hares have a more robust and wild nature, living in open fields and relying on their speed for survival. They are born fully furred and with open eyes. Rabbits are more domesticated, often kept as pets, and their young, called kits, are born hairless and blind.
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In terms of reproduction, hares have shorter gestation periods and their young are more developed at birth. Rabbits, conversely, have longer gestation periods, and their kits require more parental care post-birth.
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Hares tend to be less social than rabbits, often living and foraging alone. They are more commonly found in wild, rural areas. Rabbits are more social animals, often seen in groups, and are more adaptable to various environments, including urban areas.
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The diet of a hare is more varied, as they feed on a wider range of vegetation. Rabbits, while also herbivorous, often have a more limited diet, primarily consisting of grass and other low-growing vegetation.
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Comparison Chart
Social Behavior
Less social, more solitary.
More social, often found in groups.
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Young
Born fully furred and with open eyes.
Born hairless and blind, requiring more care.
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Hare and Rabbit Definitions
Hare
Wild animal living in open fields, with powerful hind legs.
The hare used its strong legs to leap over obstacles.
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Rabbit
Domesticated or wild animal, known for living in burrows.
The rabbit dug a burrow to protect itself from predators.
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Hare
Animal with a varied diet, including a wide range of vegetation.
The hare foraged for different plants to satisfy its dietary needs.
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Rabbit
Social animal, often found in groups, and adaptable to various environments.
The group of rabbits gathered in the field, socializing and feeding.
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Hare
A mammal with longer gestation periods, and young more developed at birth.
The newborn hare was already capable of sight and movement.
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Rabbit
Any of various long-eared, short-tailed, burrowing mammals of the family Leporidae, such as the commonly domesticated species Oryctolagus cuniculus, native to Europe and widely introduced elsewhere, or the cottontail of the Americas.
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Hare
A fast-running, long-eared mammal larger than a rabbit.
The hare sprinted across the field, easily outrunning its pursuer.
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Hare
Solitary creature, known for its speed and agility.
The hare was seldom seen, its solitary nature keeping it hidden from view.
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Hare
Any of various mammals of the family Leporidae, especially of the genus Lepus, similar to rabbits but having longer ears and legs and giving birth to active, furred young.
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Rabbit
A competitor who is designated to set a fast pace for a teammate during a long-distance race.
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Hare
Any of several plant-eating animals of the family Leporidae, especially of the genus Lepus, similar to a rabbit, but larger and with longer ears.
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Rabbit
A racehorse that is run at a fast pace early in a race in order to tire the favorite so that another horse can take the lead.
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Hare
The player in a paperchase, or hare and hounds game, who leaves a trail of paper to be followed.
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Rabbit
A mechanical decoy that is propelled around the track in a greyhound race to incite the dogs.
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Rabbit
A mammal of the family Leporidae, with long ears, long hind legs and a short, fluffy tail.
The pioneers survived by eating the small game they could get: rabbits, squirrels and occasionally a raccoon.
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Hare
(regional) Grey, hoary; grey-haired, venerable (of people).
A hare old man
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Rabbit
(uncountable) The fur of a rabbit typically used to imitate another animal's fur.
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Rabbit
A runner in a distance race whose goal is mainly to set the pace, either to tire a specific rival so that a teammate can win or to help another break a record; a pacesetter.
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Hare
A rodent of the genus Lepus, having long hind legs, a short tail, and a divided upper lip. It is a timid animal, moves swiftly by leaps, and is remarkable for its fecundity.
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Rabbit
(cricket) A very poor batsman; selected as a bowler or wicket-keeper.
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Hare
A small constellation situated south of and under the foot of Orion; Lepus.
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Rabbit
(comptheory) A large element at the beginning of a list of items to be bubble sorted, and thus tending to be quickly swapped into its correct position. Compare turtle.
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Hare
Swift timid long-eared mammal larger than a rabbit having a divided upper lip and long hind legs; young born furred and with open eyes
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Rabbit
Rarebit; Welsh rabbit or a similar dish: melted cheese served atop toast.
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Hare
Flesh of any of various rabbits or hares (wild or domesticated) eaten as food
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Rabbit
A pneumatically-controlled tool used to insert small samples of material inside the core of a nuclear reactor.
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Rabbit
To flee.
The informant seemed skittish, as if he was about to rabbit.
When the three friends heard someone behind them yell, "police, freeze!" they each rabbited in a different direction.
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Rabbit
To talk incessantly and in a childish manner; to babble annoyingly.
Rabbit on
Stop your infernal rabbiting! Use proper words or nobody will listen to you!
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Rabbit
Any of the smaller species of the genus Lepus, especially the common European species (Lepus cuniculus), which is often kept as a pet, and has been introduced into many countries. It is remarkably prolific, and has become a pest in some parts of Australia and New Zealand.
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Rabbit
Any of various burrowing animals of the family Leporidae having long ears and short tails; some domesticated and raised for pets or food
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Rabbit
Flesh of any of various rabbits or hares (wild or domesticated) eaten as food
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Rabbit
A small, furry mammal with long ears and a short tail.
The rabbit hopped through the garden, looking for food.
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Rabbit
Herbivore with a diet primarily consisting of grass.
The rabbit grazed on the grass, filling its diet with greenery.
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Rabbit
Mammal with a longer gestation period, with young needing more care.
The rabbit mother cared for her blind, hairless kits until they were strong enough to venture out.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is a hare?
A hare is a large, fast-running mammal with long ears and legs.
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Dec 13, 2023
How do hares and rabbits differ in size?
Hares are generally larger with longer limbs compared to rabbits.
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Are hares or rabbits more social?
Rabbits are more social and often found in groups, unlike the solitary hare.
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How fast can a hare run?
Hares are known for their speed and can reach speeds of up to 40 miles per hour (64 kilometers per hour).
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What kind of habitats do hares prefer?
Hares prefer open fields and do not burrow.
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Are there different breeds of domestic rabbits?
Yes, there are numerous rabbit breeds, each with its unique characteristics and appearances.
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What is a rabbit?
A rabbit is a smaller mammal with long ears, known for living in burrows.
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Dec 13, 2023
Can rabbits be domesticated?
Yes, rabbits can be domesticated and kept as pets.
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Do rabbits communicate with each other?
Yes, rabbits communicate through body language, vocalizations, and thumping their hind legs.
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Are hares and rabbits herbivores?
Yes, both hares and rabbits are herbivores, primarily feeding on vegetation.
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Do hares hibernate during winter?
No, hares do not hibernate but adapt to winter conditions by changing their fur color and behavior.
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How many species of hares are there?
There are over 30 different species of hares worldwide.
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Do rabbits have predators?
Yes, rabbits have various predators, including foxes, owls, and snakes, which pose a threat to their survival.
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Dec 13, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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