The Arctic Hare is a hardy animal that lives in cold, inhospitable Artic lands. It relies on its thick coat both to keep warm and for camouflage. It is capable of running at high speeds to escape from predators.
The Arctic Hare grows to between 43 and 70 cm (17 and 27.5 in) in length. Its tail adds another 4 to 9 cm (1.5 to 3.5 in). They weigh between 3 and 5 kg (6.5 and 11 lb). Large specimens can weigh up to 7 kg (15 lb).
The Arctic Hare has thick grey hair on its chest and undersides. The rest of its coat changes colour with the seasons. In winter its soft, long coat is pure white, and in summer it is grey, or grey-brown. Arctic Hares that live in northern regions stay white all year round.
The Arctic Hare lives within the Arctic Circle, in the far northern parts of Canada (including Baffin Island, Ellesmere Island and other Arctic Islands) and Greenland. It is also found further south, on the Canadian island of Newfoundland, which is part of the province of Newfoundland and Labrador.
