Rabbits and Hares

Rabbits and hares through history have served as symbols of abundant new life in the spring season. Hares are born with their eyes open, while rabbits are born blind. The hare was thought never to blink or close its eyes, and it is a nocturnal creature.  

All rabbits, except the cottontail rabbit live underground in burrows, while hares live in simple nests above the ground (as does the cottontail rabbit). Hares are generally larger than rabbits, with longer ears, and have black markings on their fur. In gardens, they are typically kept in hutches — small, wooden, house-like boxes — that protect the rabbits from the environment and predators.

Rabbits and hares are mentioned in more then just Easter folklore. Rabbit’s feet are supposed to be lucky, especially if it is the left, hind foot. Lucky that is for the holder - not the rabbit. Rabbits have been looked upon as a symbol of fertility because of their undisputed ability to multiply.

Rabbits mean different things to different people. For some, the site of a cottontail rabbit is a rewarding wildlife encounter, however, vegetable and flower gardeners, farmers, and homeowners who are experiencing damaging effects may have little to say in favor of rabbits. They can do considerable damage to flowers, vegetables, trees, and shrubs anytime of the year - and in places ranging from suburban yards to rural fields and tree plantations. Rabbit damage to plants is identified by the neat-clipped appearance of browsed vegetation, as well as obvious animal tracks and scat in the form of small piles of pea sized pellets (deer droppings look similar, but are larger in size).

Fun Fact:

A male rabbit is called a 'buck' and a female rabbit is called a 'doe'.

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