When wandering the Carpathian trails around Bukovel, you might spot a fleeting shadow in the underbrush – a hare, one of the most common yet elusive creatures of these forests.
The hare is elegant and quick: up to 70 cm long, weighing around 6 kg. Its long, pointed ears – always tipped in black – not only catch the faintest rustle but also act as a natural “radiator” in the summer heat. Powerful hind legs let it sprint at up to 60 km/h, zigzagging to throw off any predator. Its fur blends perfectly with the surroundings – gray-brown in summer, soft brownish-gray in winter – making it almost invisible among tree trunks and dry grass.
Hares are cautious by nature. With sharp hearing and a keen sense of smell, they sense danger early. Often, they freeze and hope to remain unnoticed. If that fails, they dash off, leaving confusing tracks behind to mislead predators.
Nocturnal by habit, hares rest in cozy “beds” during the day and come out at dusk to forage. Their diet is entirely plant-based: grasses, young shoots, and, in winter, dried plants and seeds. Come spring, they even nibble on buds and mushrooms.
Spotting a hare can be tricky – they avoid humans and leave only subtle signs, especially on snow. Look for four-track patterns: two large parallel prints made by the hind legs, followed by two smaller diagonal prints from the front legs.
Beyond being fascinating to watch, hares play an important role in the forest ecosystem. They provide food for predators and help disperse plant seeds, keeping the forest vibrant and healthy.
If you’re lucky enough to see one, approach quietly and observe from a distance – every encounter is a rare and magical moment. Bukovel’s nature is a shared treasure, and by respecting wildlife, we help preserve it for generations to come.