Rabbits are also very territorial. Why a hare and not, you know, a chicken to lay those Easter eggs? “Bunny,” on the other hand, is a colloquial term that has no scientific significance. It is one of the only references to coney that’s still used in North America. These species include the European rabbit, which is the same species as domestic rabbits, as well as a large number of wild rabbits living in climates and cultures around the world. Hares are precocial, born with their eyes open and fur grown in, which means they don’t require a lot of parental care. While sometimes, this is just a picky rabbit who is turning up... My name is Amy and I am the Bunny Lady! In addition to its distinct shape, hares have a kinetic skull that allows for movement between some of the bones that make up the skull. In a difficult situation with scarce or limited resources, the two animals would survive on whatever vegetation is available. They also used to build nests. If “bunny” is not the name for baby rabbits, where did the term come from? Hares also have a very unique skull. Even though the two are very similar, you’ll be able to tell them apart. I am here to make sure all of you rabbit lovers have everything you need to care for your fluffy little bundle of joy. She helps to socialize the rabbits and educate volunteers on the care and behavior of these small mammals. Rabbits and hares are not the same animal. Which Turkey Came First: The Bird Or The Nation? There is rarely any need to cooperate with other hares. It’s also very rare to find two hares fighting. They live above ground and fend for themselves. These two terms are often used interchangeably to describe the same animal. Enter your email for word fun in your inbox every day. Their ears also have a black tip. But they are separate species with varying physical and personality-based traits. Both rabbits and hares can be very prolific. The most distinct difference between rabbits and hares are the differences in how the young are born and cared for. In general, rabbits are smaller and have shorter ears than hares. Hares will not burrow underground, instead they are surface dwellers. On the other hand, hares (especially those living in cold environments) usually turn white in the winter. Bunnies are always thought to be actual animals by the young generation but the other way around by the elders, in case of the Easter bunny. The intensely short gestation period and well-known reproductive speed of hares and rabbits have a long cultural association with spring and fertility. There are two main theories I’ve uncovered for how “bunny” and “rabbit” have become associated with each other. Wild rabbits can do very well with winter temperatures. These two animals have many physical and behavioral differences that help us differentiate between the two different animals. A rabbit, a bunny, and a hare walk into a bar, can you tell them apart? It may look like hares and rabbits are virtually the same in appearance. When it comes to daily life, rabbit and hare behavior is very different. “Drinking Fountain” vs. “Water Fountain” vs. “Bubbler”: Are They Synonyms? I am a lifelong rabbit lover and have been specializing with rabbits at my local animal shelter. It’s so different from the word “rabbit” that it’s hard to imagine how it could become the commonly known nickname. They will grow a thick fur coat for winter and then a thinner coat for summer. They are blind, deaf, and bald. So, what about bunnies, and specifically the Easter bunny? However, the word “bunny” can really be used to describe any type or age of rabbit. Both animals have long ears, powerful back legs, and a divided upper lip. This is a necessity for young hares because they don’t have the protection of a burrow that young rabbits have.