Brown Hare, European Hare

'To be as fast as a hare' is a very appropriate expression. When hares are chased, they can run up to 75 kilometers per hour, often making abrupt turns without slowing down. They easily jump 5 to 7 meters and are not bad swimmers either. But usually when hares are in danger, they lie stock-still, flattened against the ground. They generally only run away when danger approaches too closely.