Can You Tell the Difference Between a European Hare and a Mountain Hare?

In the Aura River Valley, you may spot both hare species found in Finland. At first glance, the European hare and the mountain hare may look similar, but they have distinct differences. The easiest time to distinguish them is in winter when the mountain hare changes into its white winter coat. In summer, identification can be more challenging, but the following characteristics can help.

Coloration

In winter, only the mountain hare turns completely white. Sometimes the timing of the color change doesn’t perfectly match the snowfall, making a white hare stand out against snowless ground. In summer, the European hare has a browner coat, while the mountain hare appears more grayish. Additionally, the mountain hare’s belly is whiter compared to that of the European hare.

Size, head, and ears

The European hare is noticeably larger and can weigh up to 7 kg, whereas the mountain hare typically weighs around 3.5 kg. The European hare also has larger and longer ears compared to the mountain hare. In appearance, the mountain hare resembles a domestic rabbit, while the European hare has stronger and more defined facial features.