Wildlife Welfare

Wild Mountain Hare Welfare

Mountain hares face welfare challenges from culling pressures, habitat change, and climate warming. Conservation management protects both individual welfare and population viability.

Key Facts

Mountain hares are culled on some Scottish grouse moors to reduce louping ill transmission to grouse
Culling methods include shooting and snaring, with welfare quality variable
Mountain hare populations have declined significantly in recent decades
Climate change is reducing snow cover that provides thermal refuge and camouflage
Scottish Natural Heritage licensing of mountain hare culling has increased accountability

Welfare Considerations

Mountain hare welfare is affected by culling practices and climate change. Regulatory oversight of culling methods and quantities, combined with habitat management, protects both individual welfare and population viability.

What You Can Do

Support organisations monitoring mountain hare welfare and population status
Advocate for high welfare standards in licensed mountain hare culling
Learn about mountain hare ecology and conservation status
Support climate action as a mountain hare welfare and conservation measure