Influence of Understory Characteristics on Snowshoe Hare Habitat Use and Density

Abstract

The influence of forest understory characteristics on snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus) habitat use and density was studied in eastern (Cherryfield) and western (Pierce Pond) Maine [USA] during 1981-83. Fecal pellet counts indicated that hares at Cherryfield preferred hardwood and avoided mixedwood and open understories during the leaf-off season (Oct-May) (P < 0.05). At Pierce Pond, hares used softwood more and hardwood and open understories less than expected during leaf off (P < 0.05). Hardwood understories provided the densest cover at Cherryfield, whereas at Pierce Pond softwoods were the densest cover. Hares in both areas used dense understories less during the leaf-on season (Jun-Sep). Spring population densities (0.1-1.7/ha) were correlated with understory density (r = 0.94, P < 0.001). Overwinter survival also was associated with understory density (r = 0.74, P < 0.04). Dense understories provided escape and thermal cover.