Dear Diary

I thought I would clear the confusion. I get a lot of questions as to the differences between a rabibit (that’s me) and a hare. So here is the explanation once and for all. And it is kind of interesting, too if you ask me.

Let’s begin with the two animals that have scientific classifications. Although hares and rabbits both belong to the Leporidae family, they are distinct species. They share common features like long ears, strong hind legs, and a split upper lip, but there are key differences. Hares are much larger larger than rabbits, and while rabbits dig burrows, hares make their nests in grass. This difference in nesting habits also highlights a major distinction at birth.

Hares are precocial, meaning they are born with fur and open eyes, requiring less parental care. In contrast, rabbits are altricial, born blind, hairless, and vulnerable, which is why they take shelter in secure underground burrows.

Where did the word “rabbit” come from?
Before the 18th century, we were referred to as “coneys,” derived from the French word “conil,” which itself came from the Latin “cuniculus.” The term “rabbit” originally referred to young coneys, but eventually, it became the more widely used word. Interestingly, the name Coney Island in New York, meaning “Rabbit Island,” is one of the few remaining references to the term “coney” in North America.

What about the word “hare”?
The word “hare” is ancient in the English language, dating back before 900 and evolving from Old English “hara.” It has Germanic origins, similar to the Danish word “hare.” Related words can also be found in Dutch as “haas” and in German as “Hase.” There might also be a connection between “hare” and the Old English word “hasu,” meaning “gray.”