Snowshoe hares have become more prevalent across Prince Edward Island following post-tropical storm Fiona, according to a wildlife biologist from the province. Garry Gregory from P.E.I.’s fish and wildlife division mentioned an increase in reports from Islanders noticing an uptick in “rabbits” in their surroundings. However, these animals are actually snowshoe hares, as rabbits are not native to the area. While there is no formal tracking data confirming a rise in the snowshoe hare population, Gregory believes the changes in the landscape post-Fiona make it plausible to suspect an increase. The aftermath of the storm left behind dense debris in forests and woodlots on P.E.I., providing ideal escape cover for hares, potentially leading to a boost in their numbers. As the debris breaks down over time, the advantage hares gained post-storm will diminish.
Moreover, the storm’s impact on the forest canopy has allowed early successional plants to flourish, which serve as essential winter food sources for snowshoe hares. This includes plants like willows, grey birch, maples, and pin cherry. The new habitat benefits not only hares but also other wildlife such as songbirds and grouse that utilize the growth. While the presence of more hares may not necessarily result in an increase in predators on P.E.I., Gregory highlighted that predators on the island are generalists and not solely reliant on snowshoe hares for sustenance.
For Islanders encountering hares in their yards, Gregory advised against feeding them, as it is unnecessary and could lead to unintended consequences such as attracting dogs that may harm the hares. Furthermore, while there has been a rise in reports of hares with ticks, the tick species commonly found on hares are not the ones of concern for Lyme disease. Gregory emphasized that seeing ticks on hares is normal and typically does not pose a significant health risk unless the infestation is severe.
