Rabbits give birth to an average of five litters each year, with four to nine young in each litter. Kits are born blind, naked, and helpless.

Hares have only two or three litters, with four to six young in a litter. Young hares are adapted to the lack of physical protection, relative to that afforded by a burrow, by being born fully furred and with eyes open. They are hence able to fend for themselves soon after birth and are often abandoned by the mothers.

Defensive behavior

If confronted by a potential threat, a rabbit may freeze and observe then warn others in the warren with powerful thumps on the ground. They survive predation by burrowing, hopping away in a zig-zag motion, and, if captured, delivering powerful kicks with their hind legs. Their strong teeth allow them to eat and to bite in order to escape a struggle.

A hare will leap long distances across an open field in an attempt to outrun its enemy.

Commercial uses

Domesticated and raised for meat, fur and as pets. A rabbit's foot is sold as good luck charms.

Hares have not been domesticated and are usually hunted for meat and/or fur.

Cultural

Rabbits are often used as a symbol of fertility or rebirth, and have long been associated with spring, innocence and Easter as the Easter Bunny. They are part of various mythologies. They are also valued for experimental purposes in scientific laboratories.

Hares are used as a symbol of fertility. They are part of various mythologies, especially as tricksters.