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Hey people, leave those leverets
alone
05.04.16
WILDLIFE groups have
urged people to be careful when mowing or strimming
the lawn for the first time this year after a baby
hare was killed during grass cutting.
Animal Magic Wildlife Rescue in Co Limerick said the
tiny leveret was hidden in long vegetation when it
died but fortunately its brother had a lucky escape.
"Please be very careful when cutting long grass.
This tiny leveret had a lucky escape. He was found
after his sibling was killed when someone was grass
cutting. He is only a couple of days old," the
charity told Facebook followers.
The hare is one of Ireland’s oldest surviving
mammals. It mainly breeds in the month of March
hence, it is believed, the saying, ‘Mad as a March
hare’.
Hares live above ground in ‘forms’ and their young
are born open-eyed and fully furred after a 50-day
gestation period. The leverets can move about soon
after birth and are weaned at only 21 days old.
However, their mortality rate is high with only
one-in-five leverets surviving their first year,
according to the Vincent Wildlife Trust.
Meanwhile, The Hogsprickle - Helping Hedgehogs
animal welfare group posted a warning urging people
to check for wildlife including baby rabbits and
hedgehogs before cutting grass.
"Baby bunnies and hares are being born this time of
the year. If you come across them please leave them
alone.
"Mum is close and she will visit them to feed them.
If they are in your garden just cover them back
over. Make sure dogs can't get to them and leave
them alone," the Co Clare charity advised. |
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