Scrub Hare
Lepus saxatilis
With their oversized ears and incredible speed, the Scrub Hare is a charismatic nocturnal visitor to many Southern African gardens. This master of disguise remains hidden all day, only emerging under the cover of darkness to roam our backyards.
Quick Identification
Size
18-26 inches (45-65 cm) in length; weighing 3.3-9.9 lbs (1.5-4.5 kg)
Colors
Grizzled grey-brown upper parts with a salt-and-pepper appearance; clear white underparts and a white tail with a black top.
Key Features
- Exceptionally long, black-tipped ears
- White underside and tail with a black top
- Reddish or tawny patch on the nape of the neck
- Lanky, long-legged build adapted for high-speed running
When You’ll See Them
Sightings on EverydayEarth
Jun 1, 2026
A Scrub Hare is resting quietly on the ground in an open clearing during the night. It remains still throughout the sequence, likely staying alert to nearby sounds or movement in the darkness.
Jun 1, 2026
A Scrub Hare is resting on the ground in the lower-right area of the clearing. The animal remains largely stationary throughout the footage, occasionally twitching its ears or shifting its head while staying low to the ground in a typical resting posture.
May 31, 2026
In the quiet of the night, a large White Rhinoceros is seen resting on the right side of the frame, its massive form breathing steadily. In the center clearing, two Scrub Hares are visible; one sits alert with its large ears raised, while the other remains huddled closer to the ground.
May 31, 2026
Two scrub hares are resting quietly in a sandy clearing under the cover of night. To their right, a white rhinoceros is lying down, partially visible at the edge of the frame. The scene is peaceful with no significant movement from the animals.
May 29, 2026
Under the cover of night, a large rhinoceros is seen lying down and resting on the right side of the scene. A scrub hare enters from the darkness in the background, hopping cautiously into the center of the clearing. The hare pauses for a moment to scan its surroundings before continuing its path across the open ground toward the resting rhinoceros.
May 28, 2026
A White Rhinoceros is resting peacefully on the ground in the foreground, remaining mostly still throughout the observation. In the background clearing, a Scrub Hare is visible, standing alert with its large ears upright before moving through the woodland scene.
Behavior
The Scrub Hare is a master of camouflage, often spending its daylight hours hunkered down in a "form"—a shallow depression in the ground hidden under tall grass or thick shrubs. While they are mostly solitary, you might spot them in pairs during the breeding season or in small groups where food is particularly abundant. Unlike rabbits that disappear into burrows, these hares rely on their incredible speed and zigzagging running style to outmaneuver predators like caracals, jackals, and eagles.
In suburban settings, they are surprisingly adaptable and can become quite bold at night, venturing into gardens to nibble on lawns and flowerbeds. They are generally shy and will "freeze" if they sense a threat, hoping their mottled fur blends into the shadows. If you approach too closely, they explode into action with a powerful burst of speed, often startling the observer.
EverydayEarth exclusive
Camera Tips
To capture the best footage of a Scrub Hare, place your camera low to the ground—ideally just 6 to 12 inches high. This "hare-eye view" provides a more intimate perspective and ensures the camera's motion sensor isn't overshooting their relatively low profile. Look for "runs" or small flattened paths through the grass where they frequently travel between their daytime hiding spots and nighttime feeding grounds.
Since Scrub Hares are almost exclusively active after dark, camera performance in low light is crucial. Set your camera to a high-sensitivity PIR (Passive Infrared) mode to catch their quick movements. Using a "Fast Trigger" speed is essential because these animals can move very rapidly; if your trigger is too slow, you might only capture a blurry tail leaving the frame. If your camera allows for it, a short video clip of 10-15 seconds is often better than a still photo, as it captures their twitching whiskers and cautious grooming behaviors.
While we don't recommend artificial feeding, a fresh water source or a birdbath placed near the ground can be a powerful magnet during the dry winter months. Position the camera to face the water source from about 6-8 feet away. If you are in a particularly dry area, the lure of a reliable drink will bring them back to the same spot night after night, allowing you to study their individual markings.
Lastly, pay attention to the background. Scrub Hares have excellent camouflage, so try to angle your camera toward an area with a slightly lighter background, such as a sandy patch or a pale wall, to help their silhouette pop in night-vision mode. Check your SD cards frequently during the rainy season, as the growth of fresh green grass often triggers a significant spike in local hare activity!
Similar Species
Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Scrub Hare.
Frequently Asked Questions
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