After post-tropical storm Fiona swept through Prince Edward Island, there has been an apparent rise in the presence of snowshoe hares, according to a wildlife biologist in the province. Garry Gregory from P.E.I.’s fish and wildlife division noted an increase in reports from Islanders who have observed more “rabbits” in their surroundings. However, these animals are not rabbits, as rabbits are not indigenous to the region. Gregory clarified that the sightings are most likely snowshoe hares.
While there is no formal data tracking the growth of the snowshoe hare population, Gregory believes that changes in the landscape post-Fiona suggest a probable increase. The storm left behind dense debris in forests across P.E.I., creating ideal escape cover for hares in the form of brush piles, fallen trees, and thick deadfall. This cover has enabled more hares to survive, potentially leading to a rise in their population.
The increased cover has also resulted in the growth of early successional plants that snowshoe hares rely on for winter food. This includes species like willows, grey birch, maples, and pin cherry, which provide essential forage for hares during the colder months. The new habitat not only benefits hares but also supports other wildlife such as songbirds and woodcock.
Despite the surge in hares, Gregory emphasized that it does not necessarily translate to a rise in predators on the island. Unlike in northern regions where predator populations closely follow hare cycles, P.E.I. predators are generalists that consume various prey, including snowshoe hares.
For Islanders encountering hares in their yards, Gregory advised against feeding them. Hares mostly avoid humans and feed on grass and herbaceous plants in the summer, making supplemental feeding unnecessary and potentially dangerous due to attracting them closer to pets. Additionally, Gregory addressed concerns about ticks on hares, reassuring that the tick species commonly found on hares pose minimal health risks unless infestations are severe and are not the primary carriers of Lyme disease.
Overall, the post-Fiona landscape changes have likely contributed to the increased presence of snowshoe hares on Prince Edward Island, offering insights into the dynamic ecology of the region.
