Fast, long-eared animals (5) - Crossword Clue
Answer: HARES
Understanding the Crossword Clue: Fast, Long-Eared Animals
- Hares are the perfect answer to this five-letter crossword clue, referring to swift mammals known for their distinctively long ears and impressive running speeds.
- These agile creatures belong to the family Leporidae and are often confused with rabbits, though hares are typically larger, faster, and have longer ears and legs.
Tips for Solving Similar Animal Crossword Clues
- Look for descriptor combinations: Clues that combine speed with physical features often point to specific animals with distinctive traits.
- Consider letter count carefully: Five-letter animal names are relatively limited, so physical descriptions narrow options quickly.
- Think about common crossword animals: Hares appear frequently in puzzles alongside deer, foxes, bears, and other wildlife with distinctive characteristics.
- Watch for plural forms: "Animals" in the clue suggests a plural answer, and HARES fits perfectly as a five-letter plural.
- Remember similar clues: Speed-related terms like "swift," "quick," or "fleet" combined with "long-eared" almost always indicate hares in crossword puzzles.
Fast, long-eared animals (5) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: Why are hares so fast?
A: Hares evolved exceptional speed as their primary defense mechanism against predators, with powerful hind legs enabling rapid acceleration and sustained running speeds up to 45 mph.
Q: Are hares and rabbits the same animal?
A: No, hares and rabbits are different species with distinct characteristics—hares are larger, faster, have longer ears and legs, and don't burrow underground like rabbits.
Q: What other crossword clues might have HARES as the answer?
A: Common alternatives include "March madness participants," "Speedy lagomorphs," "Rabbit relatives," or "Arctic ___ (white-furred animals)."
Q: How long are a hare's ears compared to its body?
A: Hare ears typically measure 4-5 inches long, which is proportionally longer than rabbit ears and can be up to one-third of their total body length.
Q: Do all hares have long ears?
A: Yes, long ears are a defining characteristic of all hare species worldwide, from Arctic hares to European brown hares, serving vital sensory and thermoregulation functions.
