In summer hare eat clover, grass, dandelions, berries, and fems. In 'winter they shift to twigs, buds, tender bark of shrubs and trees, and stems of bushes and saplings including aspen, alder, spruce, fir, hen-dock, birch, willow, and pine. Lowland spruce-fir forests with dense softwood understories and a mix of hardwoods are ideal habitat. They may also be found in cut-over areas including clearcuts, blowdowns, and burns. In southern New Hampshire they occupy old fields interspersed with pine juniper, spirea, and hardwoods.
Snowshoe hare avoid open areas.
Snowshoe hare are active year-round, mostly at dawn, dusk, or at night. They seek shelter next to a led e or large rock, or under tree roots, hollow logs, or fallen trees. Hare populations cycle, with peaks occurring every 9-11 years. They breed from March to August, producing up to four litters per year. Unlike rabbits, hare are born fully-furred, with eyes open.