In his book Lines from Nature, John wrote, “Boxing hares in spring present a challenge to catch the movement. Often they are too engrossed in their rivalry to be alarmed by a watcher. Hares seem so much more alive and intelligent than rabbits, or is that just my prejudice against the pests that invade our garden?”
Those with country gardens will acknowledge the prejudice against rabbits, but we all seem to love the hare, who could do similar damage if it was more numerous.
The brown hare’s mating behaviour brings this secretive creature to our notice along the field edges in March and April. Boxing usually occurs when a male is being too persistent with a female – when she’s had enough the doe will turn and box some manners into him!
Watching such behaviour seems a privilege and no doubt contributes to the hares’ place in our affections.
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