Latin: Lepus timidus (Linné 1758)
Svenska: Skogshare
Deutsch: Schneehase
Love in the boxing ring
Female alpine hares find out which of the males are strongest by boxing with them. The females will mate with the male who is the strongest. She chooses raw power over footwork, though.
The alpine hare eats herbs, grasses, and twigs. Alpine hares can be found in coniferous forests. Their population has shrunk since the European hare moved to Uppland during the 20th century. This hare was brought to southern Sweden in the late 19th century, and has since spread through Sweden, forcing competition between the two hare species. If you want to see an alpine hare, you should go to Fiby Urskog or take a walk along Linnaeus’ Jumkil path.
Alpine hares are awake and active all winter.
Photo: FotoFinnaren
Latest observations of alpine hares in Uppland
More on Linnaeus’ Jumkil path
Wikipedia article on the alpine hare