The terms “bunny,” “rabbit,” and “hare” are often used interchangeably, causing confusion about whether they refer to distinct species or merely different names for the same animal. While they appear similar with their long ears and powerful hind legs, the differences are rooted in their biology and behavior. The clarification is that one term is informal, while the other two designate separate biological groups, each with a unique evolutionary path.
The Bunny vs. Rabbit Distinction
The term “bunny” is not a scientific classification but an affectionate or informal nickname. It is most frequently applied to young rabbits, known as kits or kittens. The word is also often used for domesticated pet rabbits, regardless of their age, due to its soft connotation.
The word “rabbit,” conversely, is the formal and collective noun used for many species within the family Leporidae, excluding the genus Lepus. When speaking scientifically, “rabbit” is the umbrella term for these animals.
The Key Biological Divide: Rabbits vs. Hares
The significant biological separation occurs between true rabbits and hares. Rabbits comprise multiple genera, while all hares belong exclusively to the genus Lepus. The defining factor separating these two groups is the developmental state of their young at birth.
Rabbits are classified as altricial, meaning their young, called kits, are born in a highly dependent state. Kits are hairless, blind, and helpless, requiring the protection of a lined nest within a burrow. This vulnerability forces them to remain safely underground for their initial weeks of life.
Hares, in contrast, are precocial, giving birth to young, called leverets, that are relatively mature and mobile immediately after birth. Leverets are born fully furred and with their eyes open, allowing them to hop and flee within minutes. This advanced development enables hares to live above ground, relying on speed and camouflage rather than underground shelters.
Distinct Physical and Behavioral Traits
The fundamental difference in how they are born leads to distinct physical and behavioral adaptations in adult rabbits and hares. Rabbits are typically smaller, possessing shorter ears and compact hind legs adapted for quick, zigzag movements and navigating subterranean tunnels. They are highly social animals that live in organized colonies within complex networks of burrows known as warrens.
Hares are generally larger and leaner, characterized by longer ears and powerful, elongated hind legs built for sustained speed across open terrain. They are solitary creatures that do not dig burrows, instead resting in shallow depressions or simple nests called “forms” above ground. Some hare species, such as the Snowshoe hare, also exhibit seasonal changes in coat color, transitioning to white in winter for camouflage.