The Arctic Hare (Lepus arcticus) population is on a high year this year. For much of the same reasons as people in the south are seeing huge numbers of Snowy Owls this year, the hares enjoyed a good breeding season. With the lemming populations high this past summer predators put much less pressure on the hares, resulting in them having a lot of breeding success.
This time of year, when the hares are very active and easily seen, just how successful they are is evident. In town and in most suitable habitats outside one sees them, feeding, and fighting in preparation for the breeding season. A friend reported to me a herd of some 40-50 of them in an area not too far from here, near the old Nanisivik town site. Something I've only heard of from Ellesmere Island.
So a lot of bunnies, makes for a lot of photo opportunities. Here are a couple of images to share.
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7 responses
Love the black tipped ears. We have an abundance of hares right now as well. A mild winter definitely helped too.
Such a beautiful hare. Love these photos, Clare.
They are a great animal to photograph Sherry. Especially on a year like this one where there are so many. I had a shot from last summer with one still in white, the other in summer grey, but it isn’t sharp enough to be of great use.
Thank you Robin.
I saw it mentioned on the GBBC site about the influx of Snowy Owls in the south. Haven’t seen any yet, sadly, but the number of red polls I’ve seen this winter has been rather remarkable compared to the past two winter seasons I’ve been here.
Fort McMurray wouldn’t have been a great place to see the Snowy Owl irruption Darcy, as they’d more likely be found where there were a lot of open fields, reminiscent of their tundra home. A quick look on eBird shows the nearest sighting reported to them was down between Lac La Biche and Athabasca, south of you. That was about a month ago.
I really like the photo of the hare asleep.
Thank you Carl. It has been a great year for Arctic Hare this year. Wonderful work on your blog, BTW.