Nature table: The Irish hare

The Irish hare has traditionally been regarded as a sub-species of the mountain hare, an animal adapted to high altitudes and high latitudes.

In Ireland these hares are different to the ones in other countries.

One of the principal differences is that elsewhere they turn wholly or mainly white at this time of year. In Ireland there is little or no colour difference between the summer and winter coat, which is reddish brown with a white tail and belly.