Mammal
Hare
Lepus europaeus
What to do NOW
- 1Leverets found alone in open fields are NOT abandoned: the mother only nurses at dawn and dusk, leaving them alone during the day
- 2Intervene ONLY if: visibly injured, injured by a dog or cat, in immediate danger (road, water)
- 3If containment is necessary: very slow movements, cover with a dark cloth, avoid noise
- 4Large box with holes, in the dark, temperature 20–22°C
- 5Contact CRAS immediately
NEVER do this
- Do not pick up "lone" leverets: it is almost always an unnecessary intervention that separates the young from its mother
- NEVER give cow's milk — lethal for lagomorphs
- Do not keep in noisy places: they die of stress (capture shock)
- Do not give wet grass
Important note
Capture shock is the leading cause of death in "rescued" leverets. The European hare has an extreme stress response: even brief human contact can be lethal. The less handling the better. Contact CRAS before doing anything else.
Legal protection
The hare is a huntable species but with seasonal restrictions. Leverets are protected outside the hunting season.
Also known as
- European hare
- leveret
- brown hare
- baby hare
Full guide
Found an injured hare? The biggest danger isn't the injury
Hares die of fright during capture. A practical guide: how to tell if it really needs help, how to move it without killing it, and why leverets found alone should usually be left where they are.
Read the guide →Did you find a hare right now?
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