Do rabbits hibernate in the winter?

Question

Just wondering if rabbits hibernate in the winter. The winter was really mild up until a few weeks ago and now we are getting lots of snow. Do rabbits hibernate once the snow starts falling? They have been out up until recently because the weather was more like Fall rather than winter.

So, if they don't hibernate, what do they eat? Do they stock food in their dens to be ready for snow? Poor things...

Answer 1

Actually rabbits or hares do not hibernate at all, but they do become less active to conserve energy, but they do not hibernate. In fact hares molt thier summer fur and grow a new winter coat of white fur to help camoflage them from predators in the snow.

Excerpt.... The Snowshoe Hare (Lepus americanus), also called the varying hare, is a species of hare found in North America. It has the name "snowshoe" because its back feet are so big, it looks as though it is wearing big shoes to walk in the snow. The animal's big feet prevent it from sinking into the snow when it hops and walks.

For camouflage, its fur turns white during the winter and rusty brown during the summer. Its underparts are white year-round. The Snowshoe Hare is also distinguishable by the black tufts of fur on the edge of its ears. Their ears are shorter than those of most other hares.


The Snowshoe Hare is one animal that changes color in winterIn summer, they feed on plants like grass, ferns and leaves; in winter, they eat twigs, the bark from trees and buds from flowers and plants. They are sometimes seen feeding in small groups. These animals are mainly active at night and do not hibernate.

Snowshoe Hares may have up to 4 litters in a year which average 2 to 4 young. Males compete for females and females may breed with several males.

Answer 2

No, Rabbits do not hibernate in the winter. I was surprised about that too. It must be slim pickens for them during the winter months.

Answer 3

No Rabbits do not Hibernate man~~

Answer 4

No, we have rabbits around yr round, every year. They chew up our small trees.

Answer 5

No! In fact you can see their foot prints in the snow not to mention their little piles of "cocoa puffs"!

Answer 6

tricky matter. search from the search engines. that will can help!