Is Bugs Bunny a Rabbit or a Hare?

Since the 1940s, Bugs Bunny, the sharp-tongued Warner Bros. cartoon figure with a distinct Brooklyn accent, has entertained audiences. His famous line, "Eh... what's up, Doc?" has become iconic, endearing him to multiple generations.

Known for his carrot-waving antics and occasional Shakespearean quotes, Bugs Bunny is often referred to as a "wascally wabbit" by his perennial foe, Elmer Fudd. However, evidence suggests he might actually be a hare, a closely related yet distinct species. Pinpointing whether Bugs is a rabbit or a hare is as challenging as outsmarting the character himself, and the debate has persisted since his inception.

A character resembling Bugs Bunny debuted in a 1938 cartoon, but the version we know today first appeared on July 27, 1940, in "A Wild Hare." His instant popularity among both children and adults, combined with his introduction during the golden age of animation, cemented his status as one of Warner Bros.' most beloved characters.

Bugs Bunny's popularity soared during World War II. The 380th Bombardment Group and other Air Force units adopted him as their mascot, while the Marine Corps honored him with the title of honorary Master Sergeant. He featured in propaganda cartoons aimed at American troops in Europe and appeared in government ads promoting war bonds. Over his career, Bugs starred in 150 films, became the first animated character on a postage stamp, earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and was named the top character on TV Guide's list of the 50 greatest cartoon characters.

Many have tried to pinpoint what made Bugs Bunny stand out among cartoon characters, but Chuck Jones, the legendary writer and producer behind Bugs, may have captured it best.

"My father believed that Bugs Bunny already existed, and they were merely documenting his actions," Linda Jones Clough, his daughter, told Smithsonian. "He'd come home and tell my mother, 'You won't believe what Bugs Bunny said today!' When she'd reply, 'But you wrote it,' he'd insist, 'No, I discovered that, given the situation, this is what he would say.'"

The true nature of Bugs Bunny—whether he's a rabbit or a hare—remains ambiguous. While his name includes the term "bunny," many of his cartoons feature "hare" in their titles, such as "Bill of Hare" and "Fallin' Hare." However, this could simply be playful wording rather than an indication of his biological classification.

To avoid jumping to conclusions, let's examine the key differences between rabbits and hares. Both belong to the Leporidae family but are divided into 9 genera (8 for rabbits, 1 for hares) and 53 species (21 rabbit species and 32 hare species). Their life cycles also differ significantly.

Hares have a gestation period of about 42 days and give birth to fully developed young, known as leverets. In contrast, rabbits gestate for 30 to 31 days and deliver underdeveloped kits that lack fur and the ability to regulate their body temperature. Additionally, hares possess uniquely structured skulls not found in any other mammals.

Hares are characterized by their long ears, extended hind legs, and typically gray fur, traits that align closely with Bugs Bunny's appearance. "Rabbits, often called bunnies, have shorter ears, shorter hind legs, and brown coats," explains Sally Morgan, a physical therapist specializing in rabbits and author of "Dances of the Heart: Connecting with Animals."

Hares are less sociable than rabbits, often living solitary lives away from their families. Similarly, Bugs Bunny is rarely seen with his kin. Given these shared traits, it seems likely that Bugs Bunny is a hare—though his quirky personality adds a layer of confusion to the debate.

Hares reside entirely above ground, which would logically apply to Bugs Bunny as well. Yet, he inhabits a burrow, much like a rabbit, adding further complexity to his origins.

One definitive solution to this debate could be DNA analysis. Rabbits possess 44 chromosomes, whereas hares from the genus Lepus have 48. Analyzing Bugs Bunny's genetic makeup would settle the matter conclusively—except he's a fictional character. Instead of overanalyzing his taxonomy, perhaps we should simply enjoy a few carrots and relish his timeless cartoons.