Logo
Home
Library
DIY TV
Profile
Profile Icon
Back

Facts for Kids

The Arctic hare (Lepus arcticus) is a species of hare adapted to life in the cold climates of the Arctic, characterized by its thick fur and strong hind legs for swift movement over snow.

Overview

Conservation Status

Predators And Threats

Diet And Feeding Habits

Habitat And Distribution

Physical Characteristics

Reproduction And Lifespan

Behavior And Social Structure

Adaptations To Cold Environment

main image

Inside this Article

Climate Change

Learn more >

Arctic Tundra

Learn more >

Early Spring

Learn more >

Greenland

Learn more >

Freezing

Learn more >

Climate

Learn more >

Weather

Learn more >

Winter

Learn more >

Canada

Learn more >

Did you know?

🐇 Arctic hares can weigh between 2 to 5 kilograms (4.5 to 11 pounds).

❄️ They have thick fur that protects them from extremely cold temperatures.

🌨️ Arctic hares can run up to 60 km/h (37 mph) to escape from predators.

🌍 They are native to the Arctic and subarctic regions of North America and Greenland.

🌾 During summer, their fur changes to a brown or gray color for better camouflage.

👂 Arctic hares have long ears that help dissipate heat.

🍂 They primarily feed on woody plants, mosses, and willows.

🐾 Arctic hares can live for up to 5 years in the wild.

🦙 Unlike some other hares, Arctic hares are known for their sociable behavior.

🏔️ They dig shelters in the snow to provide protection from harsh weather.

Introduction

The Arctic hare 🐇 is a fascinating mammal that lives in the cold, snowy places of the Arctic, mainly in Canada, Greenland, and parts of Alaska. These hares are well-known for their speed and agility. They can run up to 40 miles per hour (64 kilometers per hour) when scared! Arctic hares have thick fur that changes color based on the season, turning white in winter and grayish-brown in summer. This helps them blend into their surroundings and avoid predators. They usually live alone or in small groups, and they're well-adapted to life in the freezing temperatures of the Arctic!
Read Less

Conservation Status

The Arctic hare is currently not considered endangered; however, they face various challenges that could affect their population in the future 🌍. According to the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature), they are listed as "Least Concern." This means that while they are not endangered at the moment, their environment is changing due to climate change. Conservation efforts focus on protecting their habitats and ensuring that they have enough food sources. It's important to keep the Arctic ecosystem healthy to support these amazing hares and other animals that rely on it!
Read Less

Predators And Threats

Arctic hares face several predators in the wild, including Arctic foxes, wolves, and birds of prey like snowy owls 🦉. Their speed and agility help them escape from danger, but they still need to stay alert. Climate change is also a significant threat, as it affects their habitat and food sources. Melting ice and changing weather patterns can make it harder for them to find a safe place to live. Because of these threats, Arctic hares need to adapt quickly to survive in their changing environment.
Read Less

Diet And Feeding Habits

Arctic hares are herbivores, meaning they eat plants 🌿. Their diet mostly consists of grasses, mosses, and small shrubs available in the tundra. In winter, they dig under the snow to find food, as the surface is covered with ice and frost. They will also eat willow and birch bark to stay nourished. During summertime, their diet expands to include more fresh greens and flowers. Because food can be scarce in the Arctic, Arctic hares have to be clever and quick to find what they need to survive.
Read Less

Habitat And Distribution

Arctic hares inhabit the harsh tundra regions of the Arctic 🌨️, where temperatures can drop to -40°F (-40°C). They can be found in countries like Canada, Greenland, and the northern parts of Alaska. The tundra is a flat, treeless area with short vegetation, which provides the hares with food and shelter. Arctic hares often dig burrows under the snow to stay warm and safe during storms. In summer, they move to areas with more plants when the snow melts. This incredible adaptability helps them thrive in environments that many other animals can't survive in!
Read Less

Physical Characteristics

Arctic hares are known for their unique physical features. They are medium-sized hares, about 18 to 24 inches (46 to 61 centimeters) long, and weigh between 6 to 12 pounds (2.7 to 5.4 kilograms) 🐰. Their legs are long and powerful, perfect for hopping across snowfields. They have large ears that help them detect sounds, and their paws are furry, which protects their feet from the cold and allows them to run on soft snow. Moreover, they have a rounded body that helps keep them warm in freezing temperatures. Their thick fur coat is also crucial for insulation against the cold!
Read Less

Reproduction And Lifespan

During the breeding season, which takes place in early spring, Arctic hares mate and produce young ones called leverets 🐾. A female can have between 1 to 8 leverets in a single litter. The leverets are born with fur and are able to hop around shortly after birth. Female hares can become pregnant again very soon after giving birth. In the wild, Arctic hares live for about 3 to 5 years, but some can survive up to 8 years in managed environments. Their reproduction helps keep their population stable in such a challenging habitat!
Read Less

Behavior And Social Structure

Arctic hares are generally solitary animals, but sometimes they gather in small groups, especially during the breeding season 🐾. They are known to be very fast and agile, allowing them to escape from predators easily. Arctic hares can also blend into their surroundings with their changing coat colors. They use their strong hind legs to dig burrows in the snow for nesting and to stay warm. Unlike many other hares, Arctic hares do not have a specific daily routine, as they adapt to the environment and weather conditions to find food and shelter when needed.
Read Less

Adaptations To Cold Environment

Arctic hares have several amazing adaptations that help them survive in extremely cold temperatures. Their thick, insulating fur keeps them warm, and their large feet act like snowshoes, preventing them from sinking into soft snow ❄️. They also have a unique ability to dig tunnels in the snow, allowing them to stay out of the harsh winds and storms. Furthermore, their white coat in winter helps them camouflage from predators. These adaptations make Arctic hares perfectly suited for life in the freezing Arctic tundra!
Read Less

Arctic Hare Quiz

Q1
Question 1 of 10
Next

Frequently Asked Questions

Is DIY back?!
How do I reactivate my account?
How do I sign up?
Are the android and iOS apps coming back?
What is DIY?
What is a “Challenge” on DIY?
What is a “Course” on DIY?
What are “Skills” on DIY?
What if I'm new to all this—where do I begin?
Do I need special materials or equipment?
Is DIY safe for kids?
Can I collaborate with other DIYers on a project?
How do Mentors, Mods, and Jr. Mods help us?
What is DIY?
What's the recommended age for DIY?

Our Mission

To create a safe space for kid creators worldwide!

Challenges

Photograph a Landscape
Draw a Food Monster
Make Fluffy Slime
Build a Catapult
The 30 Day Project
Introduce Yourself in Another Language

See more

Skills

Illustration
Painting
Cooking
Gaming
Rocketry
Photography
Mechanical Engineering

See more

Activities

Activities for Kids
Indoor Activities for Kids
Outdoor Activities for Kids
Summer Activities for Kids
AI Homework Helper
Would you rather?

Company

About
Blog
Terms of Service
Privacy Policy
Community Guidelines
FAQ
Download on AppStoreDownload on Google Play

2025, URSOR LIMITED. All rights reserved. DIY is in no way affiliated with Minecraft™, Mojang, Microsoft, Roblox™ or YouTube. LEGO® is a trademark of the LEGO® Group which does not sponsor, endorse or authorize this website or event. Made with love in San Francisco.