Hares, what do they eat?

[johnlambert]

This morning my wife and I spotted a massive hare in our garden, we live in an ex farmhouse which over looks farmers fields. our cat, which normaly hunts rabbits is terrified of this monster. The brut came back this afternoon when I was out on my daily jog, we want to encourage the beast to come back on a regular basis but dont know what they eat, please help AB'ers

[rojash]

Cats

[Thunderbird+]

Yes, I think to spot a hare is something special too. I think they like pretty much the same grub as rabbits ie root veg, letuce, cabage, maybe some rabbit mix with carob and molasses will tempt it to frequent.

They tend to be a bit mad this month, I remember managing to walk right up to one once, very very slowly, took about 20 minutes

[Cetti]

I don't want to be a killjoy but please John don't encourage the hare into your garden as they are now very scarce due to farming practices and need to remain safe as possible in their natural habitat.

They generally lie low in 'forms' during the day and come out to feed at twilight, so you were very privileged to see one in the morning. Beautiful animals, so enjoy any sightings, but leave it at that - your cat will also thank you as they are big, strong creatures!

[gessoo]

We are so lucky to see loads of brownhares here where I live in Norfolk. Truly beautiful creatures.

My ****** neighbour shoots them when they come into his garden because they scratch at the bottom of his ornamental fruit trees. You can imagine how I feel! I have told them how scarce hares are nowadays, but to no avail. The man shoots anything that even dares come near to spoil his precious garden and even says he will shoot our visiting heron next time it tries to pinch his ****** goldfish!

Sorry for the rant!!

[Coobeastie]

gesso is his gun licenced? you could always report him

[gessoo]

I don't know whether he needs a licence, Coobeastie? It's an air rifle, which he uses to shoot rabbits as well. We have one too because living where we do we get rats from the farm, and, as much, as we don't like killing anything, have to keep them in control.

I would certainly report him if he shot a heron anyway, licence or not. It would be illegal! I really get so very cross with his attitude. My garden is there to share with the wildlife and is wildlife friendly intentionally. I feel that if my neighbours want a neat little suburban garden then they should move elsewhere. Their life is a constant stressful battle with nature so they don't enjoy their garden anyway!

That was rant no. 2.

[horselady]

gessoo, I'd be doing as much ranting as you if I lived near him, what a clown! As bad as people who move to the country then complain about cows mooing and cockerels crowing.