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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