The recent increase in snowshoe hare sightings on Prince Edward Island (PEI) since the post-tropical storm Fiona has sparked curiosity among locals. While the exact population growth remains uncertain, a provincial wildlife biologist, Garry Gregory, attributes this phenomenon to the storm's impact on the island's forests and landscape.
The storm's aftermath left behind dense debris and tangled brush piles, creating an ideal escape cover for snowshoe hares. This cover, combined with the storm's disruption of the forest canopy, has led to a surge in their numbers. The fallen trees and downed branches have essentially transformed the forest into a maze, making it difficult for predators to access the hares. As a result, more hares are surviving, leading to a potential population boom.
The storm's effects on the forest ecosystem have also resulted in new growth, providing an abundance of winter food for the hares. Early successional plants, such as willows, grey birch, and some maples, have flourished in the sunlight, offering a prime food source for the hares during the colder months. This new growth also benefits other wildlife, including songbirds and game birds, which rely on early successional growth.
However, the increased hare population doesn't necessarily mean a rise in predator numbers. Garry Gregory explains that predators on PEI are generalists, meaning they have a diverse diet and are not solely dependent on snowshoe hares. The hares' increased visibility and abundance may attract more attention from people, but there's usually no need to worry about them, aside from occasional nibbling on vegetable gardens.
One interesting aspect of the increased hare sightings is the rise in reports of hares with ticks. While this could be attributed to more people carrying phones and taking photos, it also highlights growing public concern about ticks and Lyme disease. However, the tick species commonly found on hares are not the ones that officials typically worry about for Lyme disease, and they are generally specific to wild hares and rabbits.
In conclusion, the post-tropical storm Fiona has had a significant impact on the snowshoe hare population on Prince Edward Island. The storm's aftermath has created ideal conditions for hares to thrive, with increased cover, food availability, and a reduced threat from predators. As the landscape recovers, the hares' advantages will gradually diminish, but for now, they seem to be enjoying a population boost.
