Wildlife Welfare

Wild Mountain Hare Conservation

Protecting mountain hares from illegal culling and supporting their upland welfare.

Key Facts

Mountain hares are native to Scotland and are legally protected in the UK under the Wild Mammals Protection Act
Driven grouse moor management has historically involved large-scale mountain hare culling to reduce tick burden
Mountain hares were given full protection in Scotland in 2021, prohibiting culling without a licence
Population monitoring surveys show recovery in some areas following protection but fragmented data remains

Welfare Considerations

Mountain hare welfare was severely compromised by large-scale driven grouse moor culling. Full legislative protection in Scotland represents a significant welfare advance. Monitoring recovery and enforcing protection against illegal persecution are the critical welfare priorities.

What You Can Do

Support mountain hare population surveys in Scottish uplands to track recovery progress
Report suspected illegal mountain hare culling to police and NatureScot immediately
Advocate for equivalent mountain hare protection across all UK jurisdictions