Species profile
About this species
The snowshoe hare is a medium-sized hare native to North America, renowned for its remarkable seasonal colour change from brown in summer to white in winter, providing excellent camouflage against snow. Its large, heavily furred hind feet act like natural snowshoes, allowing it to move efficiently across deep snow. It plays a crucial role in boreal & mixed forest ecosystems as a primary prey species for many predators.
Snowshoe hares inhabit boreal forests, dense shrubby areas, & mixed woodland across Canada & the northern the United States, favouring areas with thick understorey vegetation that provides both food & cover from predators.
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph Snowshoe Hare with us in Canada.
These departures are part of our North America programme.
In the field, David Miles & Pui Hang Miles helps guests make the most of these encounters.
Field notes
Photography notes
Winter months offer the best opportunities when the hare's white coat contrasts beautifully with snowy surroundings. Early morning & late afternoon provide soft, directional light that highlights fur texture. Dawn & dusk are when hares are most active, increasing your chances of observed natural behaviour.
In winter, expose carefully to avoid overexposing the white fur against snow - use exposure compensation of around -1 to -2 stops to retain detail. Position yourself low to the ground to capture eye-level shots that create a more intimate & engaging perspective. In transitional seasons, look for partially moulted individuals as their patchy brown & white colouration makes for particularly striking images.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Snowshoe Hare
The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article.