Snowshoe hares have become more prevalent on Prince Edward Island following post-tropical storm Fiona, according to a wildlife biologist from the province. Garry Gregory from P.E.I.’s fish and wildlife division mentioned an increase in sightings of what people thought were “rabbits” in their yards. However, these animals are actually snowshoe hares, as rabbits are not indigenous to the area. Gregory highlighted that numerous reports have been received about snowshoe hares being observed around properties, indicating a possible rise in their population.
Although there is no official data tracking the snowshoe hare numbers, Gregory suggested that changes in the landscape post-Fiona make it plausible that their population has grown. The storm’s aftermath left behind dense debris in forests, providing ideal escape cover for hares. This cover has enabled more hares to survive, potentially leading to an increase in their population. As the debris breaks down over time, the advantage hares gained from the storm will diminish.
The storm also resulted in the opening of the forest canopy, allowing early successional plants that hares rely on for winter food to flourish. This growth includes species like willows, grey birch, maples, and pin cherry, providing ample forage for snowshoe hares during winter. The new habitat benefits other wildlife species such as songbirds and American woodcock, utilizing the early successional growth.
Gregory emphasized that finding hares in yards is typically not a problem, except for some nibbling on vegetable gardens. Hares usually avoid humans and are most active during dawn and dusk. Feeding them is discouraged as they have sufficient natural food sources, and it could attract them closer to potential predators like dogs. Gregory also addressed reports of hares with ticks, mentioning that the tick species commonly found on hares are not the ones associated with Lyme disease and pose minimal health risks to the animals.
Overall, the presence of snowshoe hares on Prince Edward Island has seemingly increased since the impact of storm Fiona, with changes in the landscape favoring their survival and potential population growth.