The European hare, also known as the brown hare or the English hare, is a species of hare native to Europe. In the UK, it is the only native species of hare. The European hare is known for its long, floppy ears and its fast running speed. Other synonyms for the European hare include the common hare, the brown rabbit, and the lepus europaeus. In some countries, the European hare is also referred to as the German hare, the Russian hare, or the Italian hare. Despite its various names, the European hare is a beloved animal throughout Europe and is considered a symbol of speed, agility, and grace.