Hare vs. Rabbit: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Published on February 3, 2024
A hare is a larger, longer-legged, and longer-eared wild mammal, while a rabbit is a smaller, domesticated mammal with shorter legs and ears.
Difference Between Hare and Rabbit
Hares and rabbits, both belonging to the Leporidae family, are distinct mammals with notable differences in their behavior, physiology, and life cycles. Hares, in general, are larger and possess long, powerful legs, suited for high-speed dashes. These attributes reflect their primary defense mechanism against predators: running. On the other hand, rabbits, with their shorter legs, tend to rely more on burrowing into the ground or using existing burrows for protection, showcasing a propensity for a more sedentary lifestyle.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 03, 2024
Another distinguishing feature between hares and rabbits lies in their ears. Hares boast longer ears, often with black tips. Rabbits, while they also have upright ears similar to many hares, have shorter ears in comparison. This physical difference isn't just about appearance; it has implications related to their habitats and mechanisms for detecting threats.
Muazma Batool
Feb 03, 2024
The developmental differences between hares and rabbits further emphasize their distinctions. Hares are precocial, meaning their young, called leverets, are born fully furred and with eyes open, ready to fend for themselves shortly after birth. Rabbits, conversely, are altricial. Their offspring, known as kits or kittens, are born hairless, blind, and helpless, requiring a nest and significant maternal care.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 03, 2024
Lifestyle and habitat variations between hares and rabbits also set them apart. While many hares prefer open landscapes, showcasing their need to spot predators from a distance and sprint away, rabbits tend to prefer covered or wooded areas where burrows can be easily made. Despite their differences, both hares and rabbits have made significant impacts on folklore, literature, and culture, often symbolizing swiftness and fertility, respectively.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 03, 2024
Hare vs. Rabbit Comparison Chart
Offspring's Birth State
Born fully furred, eyes open (precocial)
Born hairless, blind (altricial)
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 03, 2024
Hare vs. Rabbit Definitions
◉Hare
Gives birth to leverets that are born fully developed.
The hare's leverets were agile and alert shortly after birth.
Henry
Sep 25, 2023
◉Rabbit
A small mammal, often domesticated, with a propensity for burrowing.
The rabbit dug a cozy burrow to protect its young.
Elijah
Sep 25, 2023
◉Hare
Represents swiftness in various cultural contexts.
In the fable, the hare's overconfidence cost it the race.
Jonathan
Sep 25, 2023
◉Rabbit
Recognizable by its short, upright ears and fluffy tail.
The child was delighted by the rabbit's soft fur and twitching nose.
Lucas
Sep 25, 2023
◉Hare
A large wild mammal with long, powerful legs suited for running.
The hare sprinted across the meadow, evading its pursuer.
Olivia
Sep 25, 2023
◉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.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Hare
Known for its long ears, often with black markings.
The hare's ears twitched, sensing an approaching threat.
Lucas
Sep 25, 2023
◉Hare
Primarily a solitary creature often found in open landscapes.
As dawn approached, the hare sought shelter in the tall grass.
Leo
Sep 25, 2023
◉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.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Rabbit
A competitor who is designated to set a fast pace for a teammate during a long-distance race.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉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.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉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.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Hare
The player in a paperchase, or hare and hounds game, who leaves a trail of paper to be followed.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Rabbit
A mechanical decoy that is propelled around the track in a greyhound race to incite the dogs.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉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.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Hare
(regional) Grey, hoary; grey-haired, venerable (of people).
a hare old man
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Rabbit
(uncountable) The fur of a rabbit typically used to imitate another animal's fur.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉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.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉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.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Rabbit
(cricket) A very poor batsman; selected as a bowler or wicket-keeper.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Hare
A small constellation situated south of and under the foot of Orion; Lepus.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉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.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉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
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Rabbit
Rarebit; Welsh rabbit or a similar dish: melted cheese served atop toast.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Hare
flesh of any of various rabbits or hares (wild or domesticated) eaten as food
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Rabbit
A pneumatically-controlled tool used to insert small samples of material inside the core of a nuclear reactor.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉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.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉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!
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉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.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Rabbit
any of various burrowing animals of the family Leporidae having long ears and short tails; some domesticated and raised for pets or food
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Rabbit
flesh of any of various rabbits or hares (wild or domesticated) eaten as food
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Rabbit
Produces kittens that are born blind and hairless.
The mother rabbit cared diligently for her helpless kittens.
Muazma Batool
Sep 25, 2023
◉Rabbit
Commonly found in covered or wooded habitats.
The family went on a picnic and spotted a rabbit in the woods.
Lucas
Sep 25, 2023
◉Rabbit
Symbolizes fertility in many cultures and traditions.
The rabbit, a sign of fertility, is often associated with spring celebrations.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Hare vs. Rabbit Frequently Asked Questions
Which is typically larger, a hare or a rabbit?
Hares are generally larger than rabbits.
Muazma Batool
Feb 03, 2024
Are hares and rabbits the same animal?
No, hares and rabbits are distinct animals with differing physical and behavioral traits.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 03, 2024
Do hares dig burrows like rabbits?
No, hares generally do not dig burrows; instead, they make a small nest in tall grass.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 03, 2024
Are the longer ears of hares just for appearance?
No, the longer ears of hares aid in detecting threats in open landscapes.
Kaitlyn
Feb 03, 2024
Where do rabbits usually give birth?
Rabbits typically give birth in burrows or nests.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 03, 2024
Why are rabbits often associated with fertility?
Rabbits have a high reproductive rate, leading to their association with fertility.
Nolan
Feb 03, 2024
Which is more likely to be domesticated?
Rabbits are more commonly domesticated than hares.
Lucas
Feb 03, 2024
Do hares and rabbits have similar diets?
Both hares and rabbits are herbivores, but their specific diets might vary based on habitat and species.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 03, 2024
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
