Bunny vs. Hare — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 19, 2024
Bunny refers to a young rabbit, often used affectionately or casually, while Hare is a different species known for longer legs and larger ears, often found in the wild.
Difference Between Bunny and Hare
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Bunny is a term primarily used to refer to a young or small rabbit. It is often used in a playful or affectionate manner, especially in contexts involving pets or children's stories. Hare, on the other hand, refers to a specific species distinct from rabbits. Hares are typically larger, with longer legs and ears, adapted for swift running. Unlike bunnies or rabbits, hares live in open fields and are less social.
Bunnies (rabbits) tend to live in burrows or warrens and have a more social structure. They give birth to altricial young, which are born blind and hairless. Hares, however, do not dig burrows but make nests called forms. They are more solitary and give birth to precocial young, which are more developed at birth.
The dietary habits of both are similar, primarily consisting of grasses, leaves, and vegetables. However, their different habitats influence their specific food choices and behaviors. Understanding these differences is essential for proper identification and ecological study.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Young or small rabbit, used affectionately
Larger, distinct species with long legs and ears
Habitat
Various, including domestic settings
Open fields and meadows
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Physical Characteristics
Smaller, shorter ears and legs
Larger, longer ears and legs
Social Structure
Social, live in burrows/warrens
Solitary, live in nests (forms)
Offspring Development
Born blind and hairless (altricial)
Born fully furred and with open eyes (precocial)
Compare with Definitions
Bunny
A young rabbit, often a pet or in a playful context.
The children were excited to see the cute bunny in the pet store.
Hare
Born fully furred and with open eyes, able to move shortly after birth.
The young hare quickly adapted to its surroundings after birth.
Bunny
Smaller, with shorter ears and legs compared to hares.
The bunny hopped across the lawn, nibbling on the grass.
Hare
Adapted for running, with powerful hind legs.
Hares can run fast to escape predators.
Bunny
An affectionate term for rabbits in general.
She has a pet bunny that she loves dearly.
Hare
Less social compared to rabbits, often seen alone.
The hare was seen alone in the meadow, grazing on the grass.
Bunny
A rabbit, especially a young one.
Hare
Hares and jackrabbits are leporids belonging to the genus Lepus. Hares are classified in the same family as rabbits.
Bunny
A person of a specific type
A dumb bunny.
Hare
A fast-running, long-eared mammal that resembles a large rabbit, having very long hind legs and typically found in grassland or open woodland.
Bunny
(Sports) A shot that is uncontested or should be easily made, as in basketball.
Hare
Run with great speed
He hared off between the trees
Bunny
A rabbit, especially a juvenile.
Hare
Any of various mammals of the family Leporidae, especially of the genus Lepus, similar to rabbits but having longer ears and legs and giving birth to active, furred young.
Bunny
A bunny girl: a nightclub waitress who wears a costume having rabbit ears and tail.
Hare
To move hurriedly, as if hunting a swift quarry.
Bunny
(sports) In basketball, an easy shot (i.e., one right next to the bucket) that is missed.
Hare
Any of several plant-eating animals of the family Leporidae, especially of the genus Lepus, similar to a rabbit, but larger and with longer ears.
Bunny
A menstrual pad.
Hare
The player in a paperchase, or hare and hounds game, who leaves a trail of paper to be followed.
Bunny
A swelling from a blow; a bump.
Hare
(intransitive) To move swiftly.
Bunny
(mining) A sudden enlargement or mass of ore, as opposed to a vein or lode.
Hare
(obsolete) To excite; to tease, or worry; to harry.
Bunny
A culvert or short covered drain connecting two ditches.
Hare
(regional) Grey, hoary; grey-haired, venerable (of people).
A hare old man
Bunny
A chine or gully formed by water running over the edge of a cliff; a wooded glen or small ravine opening through the cliff line to the sea.
Hare
(regional) Cold, frosty (of weather).
A hare day
Bunny
Any small drain or culvert.
Hare
To excite; to tease, harass, or worry; to harry.
Bunny
A brick arch or wooden bridge, covered with earth across a drawn or carriage in a water-meadow, just wide enough to allow a hay-wagon to pass over.
Hare
A rodent of the genus Lepus, having long hind legs, a short tail, and a divided upper lip. It is a timid animal, moves swiftly by leaps, and is remarkable for its fecundity.
Bunny
A small pool of water.
Hare
A small constellation situated south of and under the foot of Orion; Lepus.
Bunny
Easy or unchallenging.
Let’s start on the bunny slope.
Hare
Swift timid long-eared mammal larger than a rabbit having a divided upper lip and long hind legs; young born furred and with open eyes
Bunny
Resembling a bun small bread roll.
Hare
Flesh of any of various rabbits or hares (wild or domesticated) eaten as food
Bunny
A great collection of ore without any vein coming into it or going out from it.
Hare
Run quickly, like a hare;
He hared down the hill
Bunny
A pet name for a rabbit or a squirrel.
Hare
A wild animal similar to but larger than a rabbit, with longer ears and legs.
The hare sprinted across the field at an incredible speed.
Bunny
A young waitress in a night club whose costume includes a rabbit-tail and ears
Hare
Known for living in open fields and being solitary.
Unlike rabbits, hares do not live in burrows but in nests called forms.
Bunny
(usually informal) especially a young rabbit
Bunny
A term used in children’s stories and media.
The story of the Easter Bunny is popular among kids.
Bunny
Typically found in domestic or controlled environments.
The garden was filled with playful bunnies.
Common Curiosities
What is the difference between a bunny and a rabbit?
Bunny is a casual term for a young or small rabbit, while rabbit refers to the species in general.
Do bunnies and hares live in the same environments?
No, bunnies (rabbits) often live in burrows or warrens, while hares live in open fields and meadows.
How can you tell a hare from a rabbit?
Hares are larger with longer ears and legs, adapted for running, while rabbits are smaller with shorter ears and legs.
Are hares and rabbits the same?
No, hares and rabbits are different species with distinct physical and behavioral differences.
Are bunnies born blind?
Yes, bunny offspring (rabbit kits) are born blind and hairless.
What are baby hares called?
Baby hares are called leverets.
Do bunnies live in groups?
Yes, rabbits are social animals and often live in groups.
What do hares eat?
Hares also eat grasses and vegetation, similar to rabbits, but may vary based on their habitat.
Do hares dig burrows?
No, hares do not dig burrows; they make nests called forms.
Why are bunnies popular in children’s stories?
Bunnies are seen as cute and approachable, making them popular characters in children’s media.
What are baby rabbits called?
Baby rabbits are called kits or kittens.
Are hares born fully developed?
Yes, leverets are born fully furred and with open eyes.
Can you keep a hare as a pet?
Hares are wild animals and are not typically kept as pets, unlike rabbits.
What do bunnies eat?
Bunnies primarily eat grasses, leaves, and vegetables.
Are hares solitary animals?
Yes, hares are typically solitary and do not live in groups.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
