Hare

Hares (genus Lepus) are members of the order Lagomorpha and the family Leporidae. While they are a vital part of many ecosystems, they are considered significant agricultural pests. Their foraging habits can cause substantial economic losses in commercial orchards and vegetable farming environments.

The primary damage caused by hares involves the consumption of tree bark, buds, and young shoots. Fruit trees, particularly young apple, pear, and plum varieties, are most susceptible. When hares strip the bark around the trunk circumference, the tree is essentially girdled, preventing the transport of nutrients and leading to its eventual death.

The biology of the hare includes a high reproductive rate and year-round activity. They are nocturnal or crepuscular feeders, meaning they often damage crops during the night. Because they do not hibernate, their impact on perennial crops and nursery stock remains a concern throughout the entire winter season.

Damage assessment is straightforward: hares typically leave clean, angled cuts on twigs and rough or smooth stripped areas on bark. Unlike mice, which leave finer teeth marks, hares are capable of reaching significantly higher on the tree, especially when snow levels provide them with a raised platform during winter months.

Effective management requires a combination of physical exclusion and deterrence strategies:

• Installing high-quality wire mesh fencing around young plantations.
• Wrapping individual tree trunks with protective materials such as plastic tree guards or mesh.
• Applying commercially available animal repellents to the bark and lower branches.
• Managing nearby vegetation to reduce cover, making the area less attractive for hare nesting and movement.