Hare Sounds

What sound does a hare make?

Hares are among the quietest animals around — staying silent helps them avoid foxes and eagles. But they aren't completely mute: a frightened or injured hare can let out a piercing squeal, and mothers make soft grunts to call their leverets (baby hares) at feeding time.

Like rabbits, hares also communicate by drumming their powerful hind feet on the ground and by grinding their teeth. In spring you might see them 'boxing' — standing on hind legs and sparring — usually a female fending off a male.

About the Hare

Hares are fast-running mammals belonging to the genus Lepus. They are larger than rabbits with longer ears and hind legs. Hares are known for their incredible speed, capable of reaching up to 45 miles per hour in short bursts. Unlike rabbits, hares don't dig burrows but rest in shallow depressions called forms. They are mostly nocturnal and solitary, coming together only for mating. Hares have a unique adaptation where their fur can change color seasonally in some species, providing camouflage in both snowy and non-snowy conditions.

Hare questions

What sound does a hare make?

Hares are mostly silent, but they squeal sharply when frightened, grunt softly to their young, and thump the ground with their hind feet as a warning.

What's the difference between a hare and a rabbit?

Hares are bigger, with longer ears and legs, live above ground rather than in burrows, and their babies are born furry with open eyes, ready to run.