The Irish hare Lepus timidus hibernicus is a distinct subspecies of the mountain hares found all over the northern latitudes of the northern hemisphere. All Lepus timidus except hibernicus change their coats of fur to white in winter to match with typical winter conditions of snow at such northerly latitudes. But due to Ireland's mild climate and lack of white snow covering the landscape, the local hares keep a brown coat all winter long - an evolutionary change that makes the Irish hare unique.