Snowshoe hares have been more frequently spotted on Prince Edward Island following post-tropical storm Fiona, according to a wildlife biologist from the province. Garry Gregory, working with P.E.I.’s fish and wildlife division, mentioned an increase in sightings of what Islanders initially mistake for “rabbits” in their yards. However, these animals are actually snowshoe hares and not rabbits, which are not indigenous to the region. Gregory receives numerous reports and anecdotal observations from residents about spotting snowshoe hares in their surroundings.
While no formal data tracking confirms a rise in the snowshoe hare population, Gregory believes that landscape alterations post-Fiona make it plausible to assume an increase in their numbers. The storm debris left behind dense cover in forests and woodlots across P.E.I., providing ideal escape shelters for hares. This habitat transformation allows more hares to survive, potentially leading to a population surge. Nevertheless, over time, as the debris decomposes and coniferous trees shed their needles, the advantages gained by hares from the storm will gradually diminish.
The storm not only created more hiding spots for hares but also opened up the forest canopy to sunlight, promoting the growth of plants crucial for hares’ winter sustenance. Gregory highlighted willows, grey birch, some maples, and pin cherry as examples of plants that hares feed on during the colder months. The new habitat benefits various wildlife, including songbirds and other species that utilize early successional growth. However, it may take decades for certain stands, such as white spruce, to return to their pre-Fiona appearance.
Regarding predators, Gregory mentioned that although an increase in hares does not necessarily lead to more predators on P.E.I., in northern Canada, predator populations can fluctuate alongside snowshoe hare cycles. Predators on the island are generalists, consuming a variety of prey besides snowshoe hares.
Gregory advised Islanders encountering hares in their yards not to feed them, as hares naturally avoid human contact and are most active during specific times. Feeding hares may attract them closer to dogs, increasing the risk of harm to the animals. Additionally, he addressed concerns about ticks on hares, emphasizing that the tick species commonly found on hares are not the primary carriers of Lyme disease and are generally specific to wild hares and rabbits. Tick infestations on hares are common but typically do not pose a significant health threat unless severe.
