 Hares are primarily nocturnal and spend a third of their time foraging . During daytime , a hare will hide in a depression called a " form " where it is partially hidden . Hares can run at 70 km / h ( 43 mph ) and when confronted by predators they rely on outrunning them in the open . Hares may be preyed on by canids , felids and birds of prey . They are generally thought of as asocial but can be seen in both large and small groups . They do not appear to be territorial , living in shared home ranges of around 300 ha ( 740 acres ) . Hares communicate with each other by a variety of visual signals . To show interest they raise their ears , while lowering the ears warns others to keep away . When challenging a conspecific , a hare will thump its front feet ; the hind feet are used to warn others of a predator . A hare will squeal when hurt or scared and a female will make " guttural " calls to attract her young . 
