Snowshoe hares have become more prevalent on Prince Edward Island following post-tropical storm Fiona, according to a wildlife biologist from the provincial fish and wildlife division. Garry Gregory noted an increase in reports from Islanders who are observing more “rabbits” in their surroundings, which are actually snowshoe hares and not native rabbits. While there is no formal data tracking the rise in snowshoe hare population post-Fiona, Gregory believes the changes in the landscape since the storm make it reasonable to suspect an increase.
The storm left behind dense debris in forests and woodlots across the island, creating ideal escape cover for hares with brush piles, downed trees, and thick patches of deadfall. This cover allows more hares to survive, potentially leading to a population surge. However, as the debris breaks down and coniferous trees shed their needles over time, the advantageous cover for hares will diminish.
The storm’s impact also opened up the forest canopy to sunlight, promoting the growth of early successional plants that serve as vital winter food sources for snowshoe hares, such as willows, grey birch, maples, and pin cherry. This new habitat benefits various wildlife species, including songbirds and other animals that utilize early successional growth areas.
Despite the increased hare presence, Gregory stated that it does not necessarily equate to a rise in predator numbers on the island. While in northern Canada, predator populations are closely tied to snowshoe hare cycles, P.E.I. predators are generalists that feed on a variety of prey.
For Islanders encountering hares in their yards, Gregory advised against feeding them, as hares mainly feed on grass and herbaceous plants in the summer and could become more vulnerable to predators if habituated to human-provided food. Additionally, feeding hares might attract them closer to dogs, potentially endangering the hares. 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 and typically pose no serious health threat to the animals.