Brown Hare - Lepus europaeus

It is larger, longer-eared and longer-legged than a Rabbit with a body length of 50-70 cm. 

An adult European rabbit can appear similar from a distance.

A photograph is preferable or a description of the animal should be made in the comments.  Clear photographs of droppings should also indicate size.

Fields, hedgerow bottoms, woodland and open countryside.

All year round

It breeds on the ground rather than in a burrow and relies on speed to escape. Normally shy animals; hares change their behaviour in spring, when they can be seen in broad daylight chasing one another around meadows. During this spring frenzy, Hares can be seen "boxing". This is when Hares strike one another with their paws. For a long time it had been thought that this was inter-male competition but closer observation has revealed that it is usually a female hitting a male, either to show that she is not yet quite ready to mate or as a test of his determination.

Less common now, than previously, probably due to changes in land use. It remains widespread in lowland Britain, but scarce in the Highlands.  It is only partly protected and is still considered a game species so can be shot throughout the year on enclosed land and between 11th Dec and 31st March on unenclosed land (with landowner permission).

Uncommon in Leicestershire and Rutland.