Snowshoe hare

The snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus) belongs to the order Lagomorpha and the family Leporidae. While native to the forests of North America, these animals are known to cause significant agricultural and forestry damage when their population densities fluctuate, particularly impacting young plantations and nursery stocks.

These herbivores consume a wide variety of plants, including grasses, shrubs, and trees. Their diet shifts seasonally; during winter, they rely heavily on woody stems, bark, and buds, which poses a severe threat to the survival of saplings and young ornamental or fruit-bearing trees in the affected areas.

The biology of the snowshoe hare is characterized by a dramatic population cycle, usually spanning 8 to 11 years. They are prolific breeders, with females producing multiple litters per year. This high reproductive rate allows populations to recover quickly, frequently leading to localized outbreaks of herbivory that can devastate forestry projects.

The damage caused by these hares is primarily mechanical, characterized by clean, slanted gnawing of bark and twigs. This not only stunts tree growth but also exposes the cambium layer to pathogens and cold injury. In severe cases, extensive "girdling" of the trunk can result in the complete death of the tree.

• Installing wire mesh or plastic tree guards around saplings.
• Erecting perimeter fencing to exclude hares from nurseries.
• Applying chemical repellents with bitter taste or pungent odors.
• Maintaining clear surroundings by removing brush and tall weeds.

Effective management requires a combination of exclusion techniques and behavioral modification of the local population. By implementing these measures early in the season, foresters and orchard owners can prevent catastrophic damage during the critical winter months when food sources are scarce for these animals.