Wildlife

Wild Hare Conservation and Welfare

Brown hares are declining across the UK, with welfare implications from hunting, agricultural intensification, and disease.

Key Facts

Brown hare numbers have declined by over 75% since the 1880s in the UK
Hare coursing was banned in the UK by the Hunting Act 2004
European brown hare syndrome (EBHS) causes rapid death in affected populations
Leverets (young hares) are born fully furred and open-eyed but need maternal visits
Agricultural intensification removes the hedgerow and grass habitat hares need

Welfare Considerations

Hares face welfare challenges from illegal coursing, disease, and predation. Leverets alone in fields are frequently killed by machinery during grass cutting. Set-aside field margins and reduced pesticide use protect both hare populations and individual welfare.

What You Can Do

Support organisations monitoring and protecting hare populations
Report suspected illegal hare coursing to the police
Advocate for agri-environment schemes that protect hare habitat