Antrian Hare

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The Antrian Hare (French lièvre Antrien, Alvésin jàros Antrīen) is the national animal of Antrium. They live mostly in the mountains of Antrium and the surrounding area.

Appearance

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An Antrian Hare in the snow
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Antrian Hares can be anywhere between 230 and 280 millimeters (9 to 11 inches) long, and weigh between 1.1 and 2 kilograms (2.5 to 4.5 pounds). Their fur is almost entirely white, with a few black spots on the ears. Their hind feet are large, and have fur on the sole of the foot, to allow them to run through snow. Males are slightly smaller than females, like most rabbit and hare species.

Their fur does not entirely change color like its close relative, the snowshoe hare, but some small spots may change to a more brown color during the summer and fall.

They can run at speeds up to 50 kilometers per hour (31 miles per hour), and can change directions very quickly. Adults may be able to cover over 7 feet in one bound.

Habitat

Antrian Hares usually live in higher elevations, where it is colder. They live in much of Antrium, especially in the Granvéo Mountains. They also live in the unclaimed land to the west, and also small parts of Hiel, Domnonia, and Keeslandia, in the International Democratic Union.

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Antrian Hare habitat
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Diet & Predators

Antrian Hares are herbivores. They eat bark, twigs, evergreens, and grasses in higher elevations, and flowers, herbs, and weeds in lower elevations. They are often found eating gardens in towns and cities throughout Antrium.

Predators of the Antrian Hare include foxes and bobcats. They are not hunted by humans in Antrium because it is illegal to hunt hares there. They are occasionally hunted in areas outside of Antrium. They can outrun some predators, and can also swim across rivers and small lakes to escape if they have to. They have very good hearing, so they can hear predators coming. They typically thump their feet on the ground when they identify a predator, to warn other hares.

Life

The Antrian Hare can live for 4-6 years, far more than other hare species. Females give birth to anywhere from 2 to 7 young at a time, every month from April to August. Both genders mature about 1 year after birth.

Antrian Hares usually sleep and groom during the day, but occasionally will come out on cloudy days. They prefer low light, and are commonly seen at dusk, dawn, or at night.