 European hares forage in groups . Group feeding is beneficial as individuals can spend more time feeding knowing that other hares are being vigilant . Nevertheless , the distribution of food affects these benefits . When food is well @-@ spaced , all hares are able to access it . When food is clumped together , only dominant hares can access it . In small gatherings , dominants are more successful in defending food , but as more individuals join in , they must spend more time driving off others . The larger the group , the less time dominant individuals have in which to eat . Meanwhile , the subordinates can access the food while the dominants are distracted . As such , when in groups , all individuals fare worse when food is clumped as opposed to when it is widely spaced . 
