The Arctic Hare (Lepus arcticus) is the largest hare in North America.
It is all white in winter except for the black ear tips. In the summer it is brownish gray with white underparts. It has relatively short ears for a hare (which conserves heat loss). The hare itself is about 25 inches long and weighs nine pounds.
This little mammal lives in northern Canada on the tundra. Its chief enemies include the wolf, fox and snowy owl. During the spring the males spar with each other, actually standing on their back legs and boxing. The mating period lasts about two weeks.
Arctic hares do not live in dens. Living out on the tundra the doe builds her nest and has one litter of anywhere from two to eight young.
These hares feed on the twigs and roots of dwarf willow and other similar species. It has a life span of 3 to 5 years.
The Arctic Hare stuffed animal shown here is made by Ganz. The little Arctic Hare figurine is from Safari Ltd. Check the Gift Shop to see if there are any for sale.
You can see some of the animals that live in the Arctic on these stamps,
including the Arctic Hare.
