The department’s press service added that the white hare and the brown hare live in Moscow. Both species are listed in the capital’s Red Book. Mountain hare pups are born sighted and immediately covered in thick fur. For several hours after birth, they sit on the grass motionless and alone, without parents, as the adult emits a specific smell that attracts predators. In newborn animals, the secretion glands are still weak, so they are safer away from their parents.
But during this period, according to the report, Muscovites walking through forest areas with their pets should be especially careful: dogs should be muzzled. At the same time, city dwellers should remember that wild animals cannot get lost in the forest and do not need rescue.
The situation of hares is special in this respect. In these animals, all cubs born on the same territory become common: any female can feed them with milk. Rabbits need such food until the 20-30th day, but starting from the eighth day after birth, they gradually learn to eat grass. And it is not necessary not to collect the found bunnies, since most likely there is a mother next to them who did not abandon the babies, but like any wild animal, she simply strives not to show herself to people.
In recent years, according to the capital’s Department of Environmental Management, the number of hares in the Moscow region has decreased for “agricultural” reasons: fields near Moscow are regularly treated with chemicals that kill mice. And next to them are hares: their food supply is similar. But last year, the city set a goal of repopulating the woods with 250 hares from the Hare House center over several years. The main place of release of these animals is TiNAO, the Novofedorovskoye settlement, where there are suitable aquatic meadows, fields and forests – everything that will help the animals find their home and feed.
