BRITISH MAMMALS 



Lammermuirs in Berwickshire and on the hilly parts of Peeblesshire, 

 Selkirkshire, Lanarkshire, and Ayrshire. 



The Mountain Hare has also been established in some parts of 

 England and Wales. In Ireland it is represented by a sub-species, the 

 Irish Hare. 



In character the Mountain Hare differs in many ways from its cousin 

 of the lowlands, being less suspicious and in consequence more easily 

 approached. It shows some affinity to the Rabbit in taking cover from 

 its enemies in holes among the peat or in hiding places under broken 

 rocks. 



When undisturbed it may be seen moving to and fro along the 

 slopes of the hills or sitting quietly in the shelter of some rock or peat 

 hag, often looking very conspicuous against dark surroundings in its white 

 winter coat. 



When disturbed this species always runs uphill if possible, moving 

 fast at first but soon slackening its pace ; at a distance of some sixty or 

 seventy yards it invariably stops and looks around to reconnoitre before 

 proceeding on its course. These manoeuvres are carried on till the 

 animal passes out of sight. The best time to study the Mountain 

 Hare at close quarters is during the breeding season in April, when 

 they may be seen running about in all directions and are at the 

 same time comparatively tame. 



Three, four, or five leverets are born at a time, which, like 

 those of the Common Hare, are already clothed with hair at birth. 

 The food consists chiefly of grasses and heather and also at times 

 of moss and lichen. 



Apart from man, its chief enemies are the Hill Fox and Golden 

 Eagle who kill large numbers, the latter especially being very 

 destructive. 



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