Why do rabbits usually live in burrows while hares use open nests?

The difference in how these mammals shelter is rooted in their distinct survival strategies and life histories.

Rabbits are smaller and born in a vulnerable state—without fur and with their eyes closed—which necessitates the protection of burrows dug into the ground. Because they prefer to hide from enemies rather than rely on speed, these underground homes provide a secure refuge within their preferred habitats of trees and shrubs.12

In contrast, hares are larger and born fully developed with fur and open eyes. As natural runners, they are adapted to open-area environments like prairies. Instead of digging, they rely on their speed to escape predators and typically make their nests in small, open depressions in the ground.12