Boks królików

BUNNY BOXING... A pair of hares are seen boxing one another while a third sits as an intermediary, seemingly refereeing the match. The trio came to blows on a patch of farmland near Fakenham, Norfolk, UK. The altercation was photographed by Sue Wood who said, “At this time of year, it's not unusual to see a field full of hares doing a lot of sleeping and eating, punctuated by random bursts of activity. Suddenly three hares who were previously grazing together leapt up into the air. As a male propositioned a female, she reared up on her hind legs and clouted him…the boxing began!” “Meanwhile, the third hare looked on as if to be refereeing the match. The aggressor soon realised his attentions were in vain and raced off to find a more amenable partner. The remaining two hares settled down to graze together. I always find it amazing to see the interactions between hares and these photos just illustrate how individual their behaviour can be.” Please byline: Sue Wood/Solent News © Sue Wood/Solent News & Photo Agency UK +44 (0) 2380 458800 *** Local Caption *** 1. Were these pictures taken, Fakenham, Norfolk, as previous? Yes, they were taken on a farm near Fakenham 2. Can you describe what you saw from start to end? At this time of year, it's not unusual to see a field full of hares doing a lot of sleeping and eating, punctuated by random bursts of activity. Suddenly three hares who were previously grazing together, leapt up into the air. As a male propositioned a female, she reared up on her hind legs and clouted him…the boxing began! Meanwhile the third hare looked on as if to be refereeing the match! The aggressor soon realised his attentions were in vain and raced off to find a more amenable partner! The remains two hares settled down to graze together. 3. Were you waiting for a while and did they mind your presence? I had been sat camouflaged in the corner of the field for some time watching the hares interacting - they were completely unaware of my presence. 4. Would you agree that it looks like the third hare is being the boxing referee?! Oh yes, definitely! This happens often. 5. What is your favourite thing about the shots? It’s always great to see interaction between hares and these photos just illustrate how individual their behaviour can be. 6. Any other info we may like to know? Hares generally graze and rest in the middle of large fields when the crops are low, (unless they need shelter from the wind/rain). I assume they feel more secure in open spaces where they can see any dangers around them, hence it is often difficult to get close up shots.