Brown Hares
Brown Hares / lepus europaeus. Lincolnshire. 11/04/22.
'PATIENCE IS LIKE ELASTIC, SOMETIMES IT SNAPS.'
The doe hare, (centre) had tolerated the attentions of these two bucks, (left/right) who had positioned themselves very close to her for 20 minutes or more.
This behaviour is usual, in fact, even more males will assemble if they locate a female about to become receptive. They stick like glue, biding their time, awaiting an opportunity to mate.
Understandably, a doe can find such attention too much to handle and often makes a break for freedom. My image shows a doe who had reached this point. Raised up on her hind legs, she had done a little boxing which was enough to get the males moving!
BEST VIEWED LARGE.
Brown Hares
Brown Hares / lepus europaeus. Lincolnshire. 11/04/22.
'PATIENCE IS LIKE ELASTIC, SOMETIMES IT SNAPS.'
The doe hare, (centre) had tolerated the attentions of these two bucks, (left/right) who had positioned themselves very close to her for 20 minutes or more.
This behaviour is usual, in fact, even more males will assemble if they locate a female about to become receptive. They stick like glue, biding their time, awaiting an opportunity to mate.
Understandably, a doe can find such attention too much to handle and often makes a break for freedom. My image shows a doe who had reached this point. Raised up on her hind legs, she had done a little boxing which was enough to get the males moving!
BEST VIEWED LARGE.