Ecology and Behavior
Outside of the mating season, the European hare lives a largely solitary lifestyle. It is mostly nocturnal and crepuscular and forages between 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. During daytime, a hare will hide in a depression called a "form" where they are partially hidden. Hares are capable of running in speeds of up to 35 mph (56 km/h) in a straight line. When running from its predators, the hare can dodge and change direction quickly. They will even dive into streams and can swim. Little evidence shows that hares stay within a restricted home range. Predators of the hare include the red fox, wolf, coyote, wild cats and birds of prey. Although they are usually quiet, hares will make low grunts and females will make "guttural" calls to her young. They emit a shrill call when caught or hurt.
Read more about this topic: European Hare
Famous quotes containing the words ecology and/or behavior:
“... the fundamental principles of ecology govern our lives wherever we live, and ... we must wake up to this fact or be lost.”
—Karin Sheldon (b. c. 1945)
“The confusion of emotions with behavior causes no end of unnecessary trouble to both adults and children. Behavior can be commanded; emotions can’t. An adult can put controls on a child’s behavior—at least part of the time—but how do you put controls on what a child feels? An adult can impose controls on his own behavior—if he’s grown up—but how does he order what he feels?”
—Leontine Young (20th century)