Alaskan hare

The Alaskan, or tundra, hare (Lepus othos) is one of the largest species of hares. They are one of two species of hares native to the state of Alaska, the other being the more widespread snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus). Alaskan hares are known to be carriers of Francisella tularensis, a bacterium that causes an infectious disease known as tularemia, which can be transmitted to pets and humans. Tularemia symptoms include infectious or weepy sores, swollen lymph nodes, and fever or flu-like symptoms. Breeding habits The Alaskan hare is mostly solitary, and the species usually only congregates in groups during mating season in April and May. They will normally have one litter per year of between four and eight leverets, with the young born during June and July. The leverets are active shortly after birth, and are born with full coats and open eyes. ==Taxonomy==

The closest relatives of the Alaskan hare are the Arctic hare, Lepus arcticus, of northern Canada and Greenland, and the mountain hare, Lepus timidus, of northern Eurasia, from which the Alaskan hare is geographically isolated. ==Habitat and diet==

They do not live in burrows, but instead nest in open sites. They are most commonly found in upland tundra or in rocky or brushy areas which provide camouflage and protection from predators. Their fur can be and is used to line shoes and robes in Alaska. ==References==