Lepus americanus

Prefers the dense cover of coniferous and mixed forests; abundant understory cover is important. Coniferous swamps and second-growth areas that are adjacent to mature forests, and alder fens and conifer bogs, are also utilized. Often in ecotones. Rests in daytime in dense cover. Nesting places may be made in a ground depression or hollow log. Underground burrows generally are avoided. Litters stay at natal sites for up to a few days or a week, gradually range farther away.

Basically solitary except when breeding. In some areas, populations fluctuate widely over 10-11 year cycle. Densities may vary from 1 to several hundred per square mile (Keith and Windberg 1978). In Wisconsin, fall populations of less than 10 hares frequenting patches of prime habitat of less than 5 ha are not likely to persist long without ingress; in the same area, coyote predation was the overwhelming determinant of survival and population trend (Keith et al. 1993). See Sinclair et al. (1988) for recent data on population dynamics and food quality and supply.

Taken by many avian and mammalian predators, including ground squirrels and red squirrels (Yukon, O'Donoghue and Stuart 1993).

Across the range, breeding season extends from February to mid-August. Gestation lasts 36-37 days. Young are born May-August; 1-4 litters/year. Litter size is 1-6, averages 3. Young are weaned at about 4 weeks (last litter of the season sometimes up to 6 weeks). Sexually mature in first spring (second calendar year). Lives usually no more than about 2 years, but up to about 5 years.