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Mammal

Hare

Lepus europaeus

✓What to do NOW

  1. 1Leverets found alone in open fields are NOT abandoned: the mother only nurses at dawn and dusk, leaving them alone during the day
  2. 2Intervene ONLY if: visibly injured, injured by a dog or cat, in immediate danger (road, water)
  3. 3If containment is necessary: very slow movements, cover with a dark cloth, avoid noise
  4. 4Large box with holes, in the dark, temperature 20–22°C
  5. 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 hareleveretbrown harebaby hare

Did you find a hare right now?

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