Arctic hare

A large northern hare adapted to exposed Arctic tundra.

Field guide

A large northern hare adapted to exposed Arctic tundra.

Identification

Shared features

Short ears, dense pale winter coat and powerful hind legs distinguish it from southern rabbits.

Male

Males and females share short ears, large hind feet and a dense coat that is white in winter and darker in summer. Size varies, so a lone hare cannot be reliably sexed by appearance.

Female

Females show the same seasonal coat and compact ears; they can be somewhat larger on average. Without a clear view of anatomy, sex is uncertain.

Habitat

Tundra, rocky slopes and low willow patches in Quebec's far north.

Where to look during the day

Morning

At dawn, scan sheltered tundra slopes and willow patches for feeding animals.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, hares may rest in shallow depressions or behind rocks, particularly in wind.

Evening

At dusk, watch open tundra and low shrubs as feeding increases.

Sounds

Usually quiet; distressed hares can give sharp screams or squeals.

A verified, reusable recording is not available yet for this species.

Natural history source: Read the source

Bag limits

Bag and possession summaries.

-Cottontail rabbits and hares: bag limit of five per day in zone 8, and bag limit of 2 hares per day on Île du Havre Aubert (Îles de la Madeleine, zone 21). There is no daily bag limit for these two species in other hunting zones. Snaring of eastern cottontail rabbits and hares is prohibited in zone 8, on Île d'Orléans (zone 27) and in the Îles de la Madeleine (zone 21).

Official bag-limit source