Found a Leveret? Please Don’t Touch
It’s natural to worry when you see a young hare (leveret) alone—but please don’t pick them up. Unlike rabbits, leverets are born above ground and are left alone for long periods. Their mother feeds them once or twice a day, usually at dawn or dusk. The rest of the time, they stay still and hidden to avoid predators.
🌿 What’s normal for a leveret?
- Lives above ground, not in a burrow
- Stays motionless during the day
- Fed briefly by mum, then left alone
- Nestles in a shallow hollow called a “form” with long grass cover
🚫 Why you shouldn’t touch
- Human scent may cause the mother to abandon her baby
- Even gloves or clothing can transfer scent
- Most leverets are not abandoned—they’re just waiting quietly
✅ When to intervene
Only step in if:
- The leveret is clearly injured
- It’s in an exposed or dangerous spot and won’t move
If you must move it:
- Rub your hands in grass and soil to mask your scent.
- Use only grass or ground cover to gently touch or lift the leveret.
- Move it a short distance into long grass.
- Walk away quietly and don’t draw attention.
🐇 Mowing or clearing land?
If you suspect leverets are nesting:
- Pause work and check carefully
- Use a small branch to gently nudge them into cover if needed
🍼 Thinking of hand-rearing?
Please don’t. Even experienced wildlife carers find leverets extremely difficult to rear. If you find an injured one, contact a wildlife-friendly vet or local rescue centre for advice.
More information can be found here: Moon Gazers – information on care of orphaned leverets (hare-leveret.info)