Mountain hares are Scotland's only native hare species. Large-scale culling on grouse moors has raised serious welfare and conservation concerns.
Mountain hare welfare was severely compromised by large-scale culls on grouse moors, where tens of thousands were killed annually to reduce tick burdens that could affect red grouse. Individual welfare impacts included shooting injuries, stressed survivors, and disruption of social groups. The 2020 legislation introducing protection was a direct welfare improvement. Climate change creates a longer-term welfare concern: hares that turn white in winter are less camouflaged as snow cover decreases, increasing predation pressure. This phenological mismatch may become a significant welfare issue without adaptation.