European Hare

Lepus europaeus

As its name would suggest, the European hare is not native to Canada but it was successfully introduced to parts of Ontario from Germany. It has remained in Ontario without spreading to neighboring provinces. When it is startled can achieve great speeds in a straightaway run, reaching up 55 kph. Like the rest of its kin it is crepuscular (active at twilight) and nocturnal, and is active throughout the year. It prefers to avoid thickets and remains in meadows and cultivated fields. European hares emerge to feed between 7pm and 7am. They eat grasses and herbs during the summer months and change to feeding on twigs, bark, and the buds of young trees in winter

Distribution of European Hare in Canada