Are Hares and Rabbits Really Crazy in March?

Quck answer

There is a common belief that hares and rabbits go crazy in March, also known as “mad March hare” or “bunny fever”. However, this is not entirely true. While it is true that hares and rabbits become more active during this time due to mating season, they do not go crazy. The behavior observed during this time is actually a display of courtship and mating behavior, where males compete for females. This behavior can include boxing, jumping, and chasing, but it is not a sign of madness or craziness. Therefore, while hares and rabbits may seem more active and lively during March, there is no need to worry about them going crazy.

Animal Facts

When seasons change, everyone can feel a little out of sorts. But are rabbits any crazier than other creatures? Not really.

The idea of the March hare being crazy goes back to at least the 16th century, when playwright John Heywood wrote about being “brainless as a March hare”.

While hares and rabbits are different animals, they both tend to behave a little wildly in March. This is because it’s the start of their breeding season, and the males are on the hunt for willing females. This leads to some unusual courting rituals, including racing, hopping, boxing and fighting.

Male rabbits are polygamous, so they try to breed with as many females as possible. This can lead to a lot of mating activity in areas with large rabbit populations. Hares are also known for boxing, but this is actually a way for females to reject overeager males.

So, while hares and rabbits may seem a little crazy in March, it’s all part of their natural behavior during breeding season. And although the breeding season starts in March, the wild behavior can last well into the autumn.

Originally Published: Mar 21, 2019

Lots of Additional Information

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Sources

• BBC. “Hare.” N.d. (Oct. 15, 2014). http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/life/European_Hare
• Georgia Department of Natural Resources. “Rabbit Fact Sheet.” N.d. (Oct. 15, 2014). http://www.georgiawildlife.com/RabbitFacts
• Heywood, John. “The Proverbs, Epigrams and Miscellanies of John Heywood.” Early English Drama Society. 1906. http://books.google.com/books?id=pK07AAAAYAAJ&pg=PA383&lpg=PA383&dq=braynles+as+a+marshe+hare&source=bl&ots=pGaV5hAGS3&sig=VI-L0pLPMHnSVnmJgDjFtL7jb-Y&hl=en&sa=X&ei=L2k-VP6YBMj8yQSpj4GYDA&ved=0CDwQ6AEwBA#v=onepage&q=braynles%20as%20a%20marshe%20hare&f=false
• Lumpkin, Susan and Seidensticker, John. “Rabbits: The Animal Answer Guide.” JHU Press. 2011.
• Pennsylvania State University. “The Virtual Nature Trail at Penn State New Kensington.” Oct. 8, 2013. (Oct. 15, 2014). http://www.psu.edu/dept/nkbiology/naturetrail/speciespages/cottontail.htm
• University of Maryland Cooperative Extension. “Wildlife Management: Cottontail Rabbits.” N.d. (Oct. 15, 2014). http://extension.umd.edu/sites/default/files/_docs/programs/riparianbuffers/FS601.pdf
• Yarrow, Greg. “Cottontail Rabbit Biology and Management.” Clemson Cooperative Extension. May 2009. (Oct. 15, 2014). http://www.clemson.edu/extension/natural_resources/wildlife/publications/fs8_cottontail%20rabbit.html

FAQ

1. Is it true that hares and rabbits go crazy in March?

There is a common belief that hares and rabbits go crazy during the month of March, also known as the “mad hare/rabbit month.” However, this is a myth and there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. The idea may have originated from the fact that hares and rabbits are more active and visible during this time of year, as they mate and search for food in preparation for the spring season.

2. What is the difference between a hare and a rabbit?

Hares and rabbits are often confused for each other, but they are different species. Hares are generally larger in size with longer ears and legs, and they typically live in open areas such as grasslands and deserts. Rabbits, on the other hand, are smaller and more social, living in groups or colonies in burrows or dens. Additionally, hares have longer gestation periods and are born with their eyes open and fully furred, while rabbits are born blind and hairless.

3. What is the mating season for hares and rabbits?

The mating season for hares and rabbits typically occurs in the spring, from February to September. During this time, males will compete for females and engage in courtship behaviors such as chasing and fighting. Female hares and rabbits can have multiple litters in a year, with each litter consisting of several young.

4. Do hares and rabbits hibernate?

No, hares and rabbits do not hibernate. Instead, they have adaptations such as thick fur and underground burrows to help them survive during the winter months. They also have the ability to change the color of their fur to blend in with their surroundings, which helps them avoid predators.

5. What is the lifespan of a hare or rabbit?

The lifespan of a hare or rabbit varies depending on the species and their environment. Generally, hares and rabbits live for several years in the wild, with some species living up to 10 years or more. In captivity, they can live even longer with proper care and diet.