Exploring Quinag: Mountain Hares
Of all the animals found on our local hills, mountain hares are one of the most difficult to approach. We know they occur on all of our western hills from Quinag south to Suilven and Canisp, and along the eastern edge of the parish from Beinn Uidhe south to Breabag, and out on the Cromalt Hills. There are also historic records from much lower parts of the parish, even on the Stoer peninsula, and I have seen one at night on the road above Ardvar.
However, photographs are very few, except for this taken on Breabag by David McBain.
Chris Puddephatt was therefore very fortunate to get these two photos of a leveret on the saddle on Quinag, Bealach a’Chornaidh (NC200285), on 26th August 2024, after a back injury had seriously restricted his mobility for some months.
If you come across mountain hares anywhere in the parish please send your observations in, since records are still very patchy. The Mammal Society are currently running a Volunteer Mountain Hare Survey which you can join; alternatively we will pass any information on to them.
Ian M. Evans