How to Build a Snowshoe Hare Habitat for Better Success?

Creating a Diverse Landscape

When building a snowshoe hare habitat, it’s essential to create a diverse landscape that mimics their natural environment. This can be achieved by planting a mix of willow (Salix spp.) and aspen (Populus tremuloides) thickets, which provide shelter and food for the hares. These deciduous trees should be scattered throughout the habitat, with an average density of 5-10 trees per acre. Evergreen trees, such as spruce (Picea spp.) and fir (Abies spp.), should also be included, but in smaller numbers, as they can provide a barrier to the hares’ movement. A mix of open and dense coniferous forests is also crucial, allowing the hares to escape and find food.

Incorporating Food Sources

Snowshoe hares are herbivores and rely on a variety of plants for food, including the twigs, leaves, and bark of trees and shrubs. Incorporating a diverse range of plant species, such as birch (Betula spp.), alder (Alnus spp.), and blueberry (Vaccinium spp.), can provide a reliable food source for the hares. Additionally, including areas of open snowfields and meadows can help to create a dynamic landscape that changes with the seasons, allowing the hares to adapt and survive. Aim to create a habitat with at least 20% of the area in open or partially open conditions, allowing the hares to move and find food.

Managing the Habitat

Managing the habitat is crucial to maintaining a healthy and sustainable population of snowshoe hares. This can involve periodic thinning of the trees, creating small clearings, and allowing some areas to be left unmanaged. It’s also essential to consider the cyclical nature of snowshoe hare populations, which can fluctuate dramatically over the years. By understanding and working with these natural cycles, it’s possible to create a habitat that is resilient and adaptable, allowing the hares to thrive.