This thumping, which can be heard by humans at a distance of several meters, apparently can be detected by other leporids at a considerably greater distance. Some rabbits emit loud, shrill screams when frightened or captured. Leporids feed on plant material and, as far as is known, do not store food as do the pikas. Some rabbits, especially Oryctolagus, associate in groups, whereas hares are usually solitary. Pursuit of the opposite sex, flagging of the tail, involuntary urination, caressing, and combat by the males are indications of the breeding season.
Females come into estrus a number of times during the year and give birth to several litters.
Resorption of the developing embryos often occurs. Gestation periods are 25-50 days, being longer in hares than in rabbits. Leporids are valued by some humans for food, recreational hunting, and use as pets. Their thin skins and dense, soft furs are widely used in clothing. They occasionally damage crops and in large numbers may be regarded as serious pests and competitors for grazing land.