Arctic Hare

Lepus arcticus

Arctic Hares. Photo:David R. Gray, Canadian Museum of Nature

The Arctic hare inhabits only the open tundra where the winds remove the snow so that the hares may locate their food. They range throughout the tundra regions of the Northwest Territories, Nunavut and Labrador. Although nocturnal, the arctic hare will remain active throughout the winter. The arctic hare will sometimes stay in small groupings with its own kind. This provides it with a sense of security against predation. When threatened the arctic hare will stand on its two hind feet and hop away like a kangaroo for a distance before it returns to its normal four-footed gait.

Distribution of Arctic Hare in Canada