It’s NOT easy to tell the difference! However, we have to distinguish between the species, because well-intentioned people sometimes accidentally kidnap young snowshoe hares who don’t need help. Both rabbit and hare mothers stay away from their young as much as possible to avoid leading predators to them, so what may look like an abandoned kit or leveret is probably just fine.
Let’s compare the two species:
Domestic Rabbit
- Kits (baby rabbits) are born hairless and blind.
- Kits stay in the nest under a layer of fur and dry plant material. Their mother stops by once or twice a day to nurse.
- Rabbits range in size (from around 1 lb to over 20 lbs) and shape.
- Rabbits are generally social and can often be seen interacting with each other.
- Rabbit fur colour depends on selective breeding and doesn’t change with the season.
Snowshoe Hare
- Leverets (baby hares) are born with fur and their eyes open.
- Leverets spread out into different hiding spots; their mother calls them over when it’s time to nurse.
- Hares have a consistent shape, average around 3 lbs, and have extra large back feet for travelling over snow.
- Hares are generally solitary and often avoid each other except during mating.
- Hare fur colour changes from brown in the summer to white in the winter.
As always, if you see a loose domestic rabbit, please report them. For issues related to wildlife, we recommend you contact your local Conservation Officer Service.
Useful Links:
gov.bc.caConservation Officer Service - Province of British ColumbiaThe B.C. Conservation Officer Service (COS) is a public safety provider focused on natural resource law enforcement and human wildlife conflicts prevention and response.
Hinterland Who's WhoSnowshoe Hare - Hinterland Who's Who