Wildlife

Wild Mountain Hare Tick Welfare

Mountain hares host large numbers of sheep ticks and may suffer welfare impacts from tick-borne louping ill virus in high-density grouse moor populations.

Key Facts

Mountain hares are a major host for Ixodes ricinus sheep tick on upland moors
Louping ill virus carried by ticks causes neurological disease and death in hares
High hare densities on grouse moors amplify tick burden on other species including red grouse
Selective tick control targeting hares has been proposed but raises welfare and ecological concerns
Natural hare density regulation through predation would reduce tick amplification

Welfare Considerations

Mountain hare welfare involves complex interactions between tick burden, louping ill and population management. Natural regulatory mechanisms are preferable to lethal control where possible.

What You Can Do

Support natural predator-prey dynamics in upland areas as an alternative to lethal hare control
Report mountain hare sightings to contribute to population monitoring
Engage with evidence-based debate on hare management and grouse moor ecology