Arctic Hare Facts | Churchill Wildlife Guide

Spotting an Arctic hare is a moment worth celebrating. They blend in amazingly with their snowy environment and are renowned for their ability to remain calm and still, so as not to give away their position. They have powerful hind legs and are able to run at speeds of up to 45 mph when pursued by predators, such as Arctic foxes.

Found in boreal forests and on the open tundra, the Arctic hare (Lepus arcticus) is a solitary animal that is well-adapted to survive in cold climates. It has thick, white fur that helps to insulate its body and blend in with its snowy surroundings. Arctic hares are active year-round, but in the winter months, they rely on their fur and a layer of fat to help them keep warm in subzero temperatures.

Arctic hares eat every part of the willow shrubs—including the bark—and also use them for resting and avoiding predators. If you’re on the hunt for an Arctic hare, peering into the dense willows is the best place to start. These herbivores also feed on grasses and twigs and are also known to eat lichens and fungi in the winter when other food sources are scarce.

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