Wildlife

Wild Mountain Hare Welfare and Conservation

Mountain hares face welfare challenges from driven shooting, tick-borne disease and habitat loss, with conservation status declining in parts of Scotland.

Key Facts

Mountain hares are native to Scotland and were reintroduced to parts of England
Driven grouse moor management historically involved large-scale mountain hare culling
Scottish Government guidance now recommends restraint in mountain hare management
Louping ill virus transmitted by ticks causes significant hare mortality on grouse moors
Climate change is reducing suitable montane habitat as snow cover decreases

Welfare Considerations

Mountain hares face anthropogenic welfare pressures on grouse moors alongside natural tick-borne disease threats. Legal protection and habitat management support population welfare.

What You Can Do

Support campaigns for full legal protection of mountain hares in Scotland
Record mountain hare sightings through the Mammal Society's surveys
Advocate against large-scale mountain hare culling on driven grouse moors