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 locals often mistake for rabbits in their yards. However, these animals are actually snowshoe hares, as rabbits are not native to the area. Gregory acknowledged receiving numerous reports from Islanders about observing snowshoe hares in their surroundings.
While there is no official data tracking the snowshoe hare population growth, Gregory suggested that changes in the landscape post-Fiona make it reasonable to suspect an increase. The aftermath of the 2022 storm left behind dense debris in forests across P.E.I., providing ideal escape cover for hares. This cover has enabled more hares to survive, potentially leading to a rise in the population. However, as the debris breaks down and coniferous trees shed their needles, the advantage hares gained from the storm will gradually diminish.
The storm’s impact also facilitated the growth of early successional plants that hares rely on for winter food. This includes species like willows, grey birch, maples, and pin cherry, which offer prime forage for snowshoe hares during the winter months. The new habitat benefits various wildlife, such as songbirds and other animals that utilize early successional growth. Gregory highlighted that although there are more hares present, it does not necessarily translate to an increase in predators on the island.
For Islanders encountering hares in their yards, Gregory advised against feeding them, as hares primarily feed on grass and herbaceous plants in the summertime. Feeding them may attract them closer to dogs, leading to potential conflicts. Gregory also addressed concerns about ticks on hares, noting that the tick species commonly found on hares are not the ones associated with Lyme disease. Ticks on hares are considered normal and typically do not pose a significant health risk unless the infestation is severe.