In the aftermath of post-tropical storm Fiona, snowshoe hares have become more prevalent on Prince Edward Island, according to a wildlife biologist from the provincial fish and wildlife division. Garry Gregory stated that Islanders have been observing an increase in what they believed to be “rabbits” in their surroundings, but these animals are actually snowshoe hares, not native rabbits.
While there is no formal data tracking the rise in snowshoe hare population, Gregory suggested that changes in the landscape post-Fiona make it reasonable to assume an increase. The storm left behind dense debris in forests, providing ideal escape cover for hares, making them less accessible to predators.
The storm’s impact also led to new growth in the forest canopy, benefiting snowshoe hares with more winter food sources like willows, grey birch, maples, and pin cherry. This growth also supports other wildlife species such as songbirds and woodcock.
Despite the rise in hares, Gregory noted that predator numbers on Prince Edward Island do not necessarily increase with the hare population, as predators on the island are generalists with varied diets.
For Islanders encountering hares in their yards, Gregory advised against feeding them, as hares typically feed on grass and herbaceous plants in the summer. Feeding hares could attract them closer to domestic animals like dogs, posing risks. Additionally, he mentioned that ticks found on hares are not a significant concern for Lyme disease and are generally specific to wild hares and rabbits.
Overall, the presence of snowshoe hares on Prince Edward Island has been on the rise since post-tropical storm Fiona, impacting the ecosystem and wildlife dynamics on the island.
