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A true resident of upland areas, the mountain hare is also known as the blue hare or colloquially in winter, as the white hare. Although `bluish` in autumn and winter when the fur colour is turning, their coats become completely white in the winter to provide perfect camouflage against the snow and help protect them from predators such as foxes and golden eagle. As well as the obvious protection derived from blending in with the snowy hill environment, researchers have suggested that, at altitude, the white coat colour, acts something like thermal underwear. Scattering of light in the furry base layer, produces a `greenhouse effect` which creates warmth next to the hare's skin. Their main food source is heather and, whilst they feed mainly at night (to escape the attention of predators), this popular and endearing creature is easily seen moving effortlessly across heather moorlands in many upland areas of Perthshire.
SPOTLIGHT ON THE MOUNTAIN HARE
Mountain hares usually move directly up slopes - in contrast , sheep and deer will traverse.
When under threat mountain hares can reach speeds of up to 60km per hour. The animal has broad feet that act like snowshoes helping it bounce athletically across the hills.
The white coat starts to become visible from October, with transformation complete by December. More summery garb (greyish/black coat) returns in the spring, between March and May depending on temperatures.
Mountain hares live in `forms` (depressions in the ground) and can be seen in large groups of between 20 and 70 in snowy weather when they gather to shelter or feed.
Tips for Successful Watching
This species is often seen on heather moorland - their main food source.
Can be found at altitudes from 750 metres to over 1000 metres.
In bad weather they gather on leeward hill slopes for shelter.
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WHERE TO WATCH
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Ben Chonzie (near Comrie) is a good spot for seeing them and also on the moorland above Loch Turret (near Crieff).
There have been sightings on the moorland near the unclassified hill road between Amulree and Kenmore- also a very scenic drive.
Good numbers are also found in the Atholl hills and in upper Glenalmond.
Highland Adventure Safaris, by Aberfeldy (T: 01887 820071) - open throughout the year.
Land Rover safaris into the mountains and moorlands of the area in search of native wildlife.
www.highlandadventuresafaris.co.uk
If you don't want to head for the hills - why not pay a visit to the natural history gallery at Perth Museum and Art Gallery? Here you'll find more wildlife than you could ever hope to see in a days walk. And it's free.
Perth Museum and Art Gallery, George Street, Perth. Open Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm. Closed Christmas to New Year inclusive.
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HARES `BOX` AS PART OF THEIR SPRING MATING RITUAL. IN PRE-CHRISTIAN TIMES SUCH BEHAVIOUR WAS ASSOCIATED WITH PAGAN FERTILITY RITES
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