Mammals nocturnal

Scrub Hare

Lepus saxatilis

With their oversized ears and incredible speed, the Scrub Hare is a charismatic nocturnal visitor to many Southern African gardens. This master of disguise remains hidden all day, only emerging under the cover of darkness to roam our backyards.

1 Sightings

1 Habitats

Quick Identification

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Size

18-26 inches (45-65 cm) in length; weighing 3.3-9.9 lbs (1.5-4.5 kg)

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Colors

Grizzled grey-brown upper parts with a salt-and-pepper appearance; clear white underparts and a white tail with a black top.

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Key Features

Exceptionally long, black-tipped ears
White underside and tail with a black top
Reddish or tawny patch on the nape of the neck
Lanky, long-legged build adapted for high-speed running

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern nocturnal

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Peak hours 7 PM - 5 AM

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Season Year-round

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Diet Primarily grazers that favor green grasses and succulent herbs. During dry spells, they will also eat bark, twigs, and roots to stay hydrated.

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Habitat Commonly found in scrubland, savanna, open woodlands, and frequently in suburban gardens or golf courses with ample cover.

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Behavior

The Scrub Hare is a master of camouflage, often spending its daylight hours hunkered down in a "form"—a shallow depression in the ground hidden under tall grass or thick shrubs. While they are mostly solitary, you might spot them in pairs during the breeding season or in small groups where food is particularly abundant. Unlike rabbits that disappear into burrows, these hares rely on their incredible speed and zigzagging running style to outmaneuver predators like caracals, jackals, and eagles.

In suburban settings, they are surprisingly adaptable and can become quite bold at night, venturing into gardens to nibble on lawns and flowerbeds. They are generally shy and will "freeze" if they sense a threat, hoping their mottled fur blends into the shadows. If you approach too closely, they explode into action with a powerful burst of speed, often startling the observer.

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Camera Tips

To capture the best footage of a Scrub Hare, place your camera low to the ground—ideally just 6 to 12 inches high. This "hare-eye view" provides a more intimate perspective and ensures the camera's motion sensor isn't overshooting their relatively low profile. Look for "runs" or small flattened paths through the grass where they frequently travel between their daytime hiding spots and nighttime feeding grounds.

Since Scrub Hares are almost exclusively active after dark, camera performance in low light is crucial. Set your camera to a high-sensitivity PIR (Passive Infrared) mode to catch their quick movements. Using a "Fast Trigger" speed is essential because these animals can move very rapidly; if your trigger is too slow, you might only capture a blurry tail leaving the frame. If your camera allows for it, a short video clip of 10-15 seconds is often better than a still photo, as it captures their twitching whiskers and cautious grooming behaviors.

While we don't recommend artificial feeding, a fresh water source or a birdbath placed near the ground can be a powerful magnet during the dry winter months. Position the camera to face the water source from about 6-8 feet away. If you are in a particularly dry area, the lure of a reliable drink will bring them back to the same spot night after night, allowing you to study their individual markings.

Lastly, pay attention to the background. Scrub Hares have excellent camouflage, so try to angle your camera toward an area with a slightly lighter background, such as a sandy patch or a pale wall, to help their silhouette pop in night-vision mode. Check your SD cards frequently during the rainy season, as the growth of fresh green grass often triggers a significant spike in local hare activity!

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Scrub Hare.

Cape Hare

Smaller than the Scrub Hare with a buff-colored belly and shorter ears; usually found in more open, arid environments.

Smith's Red Rock Rabbit

Has much shorter ears and a distinctly reddish-brown tail, preferring rocky hillsides over the open scrub favored by hares.

Frequently Asked Questions

Scrub Hares are nocturnal and crepuscular, meaning they are most active during the night and the twilight hours of dusk and dawn. They typically emerge from their hiding spots shortly after sunset to begin foraging.

The best way to attract them is to provide natural cover, such as thickets or tall grass, and a low-profile water source. They are also drawn to well-maintained lawns where they can graze on fresh grass shoots at night.

They are herbivores that primarily eat green grass and herbs. In garden settings, they may also snack on fallen fruit or certain ornamental plants, especially during the dry season when food is scarce.

Yes, they are very common in suburban areas throughout South Africa and Namibia, often living in large gardens, parks, and golf courses where there is a mix of open grass and protective shrubbery.

The Scrub Hare is generally larger with longer ears. The most reliable giveaway is the white underparts of the Scrub Hare, whereas the Cape Hare has a more buff-colored belly and is better adapted to more arid, open environments.

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