Quick answer
A hare can reach about 70 km/h (43 mph) in short bursts, depending on terrain, motivation, and individual condition.
Key takeaway
A hare can reach about 70 km/h (43 mph) in short bursts, depending on terrain, motivation, and individual condition.
Top speed
Published figures put hare speed near 70 km/h (43 mph). These are typically peak sprint estimates, not cruising speeds sustained for long distances.
Sprint versus endurance
Most species accelerate hard for capture or escape, then recover. Open terrain favours higher recorded speeds; dense cover favours agility over raw pace.
Anatomy that helps
Limb length, muscle fibre mix, and body mass (3–5 kg (7–11 lb)) shape acceleration and top end. Heavier animals may hit hard but tire sooner.
Compared with people
Healthy adult humans jog far slower than most cursorial mammals. Never try to outrun wildlife — create distance and barriers instead.
Field tip
Speed estimates vary by study method (radar, filming, anecdote). Treat ranges as approximate and prefer recent peer-reviewed or museum summaries when available.
Built for speed
The brown hare relies on speed and stamina rather than burrows to escape danger. Its long, muscular hind legs let it reach around 70 km/h and twist sharply at full pace, and its huge ears give excellent hearing and help shed heat. When a predator is near, a hare often freezes flat against the ground, trusting its camouflage before exploding into a sprint.
Forms, leverets, and life above ground
Unlike rabbits, hares do not dig burrows. They rest in shallow depressions in the grass called forms and live their whole lives above ground. Their young, called leverets, are born fully furred with their eyes open and can move almost immediately — the mother leaves them hidden separately and visits briefly to nurse, reducing the chance a predator finds the whole litter.
Mad as a March hare
In spring, brown hares are famous for 'boxing' — standing on their hind legs and striking at each other with their front paws. For a long time this was thought to be rival males fighting, but it is usually a female fending off an over-eager male. This dramatic courtship behaviour, most visible in March, gave rise to the saying 'mad as a March hare'.
Range and conservation
The brown hare is native to Europe and western Asia and has been introduced to other regions, including parts of the Americas and Australia. It is listed as Least Concern globally, but in the United Kingdom numbers have fallen sharply since the early 20th century due to changes in farming, loss of varied habitat, and illegal hare coursing, making it a priority species for conservation.
Research notes
Figures for hares (Lepus europaeus) come from field studies, museum records, and conservation assessments that do not always agree on exact averages. Prefer ranges over single-point claims, and check whether a source describes wild, captive, or mixed populations.
Practical takeaways
If you encounter hares in the wild, prioritise distance and local guidance. If you care for related domestic or captive animals, match diet and housing to species needs rather than generic pet advice. Share accurate status information (Least Concern) when discussing conservation.
Sources
FAQs
How Fast Is a Hare?
A hare can reach about 70 km/h (43 mph) in short bursts, depending on terrain, motivation, and individual condition.
What is the scientific name of the hare?
Lepus europaeus
What do hares eat?
Herbivore (grasses, herbs, crops, bark)
Where do hares live?
Open farmland, grassland, meadows
Are hares endangered?
Listed here as Least Concern. Check IUCN and national lists for the latest assessment.