noun
European hare; brown hare
Refers specifically to the European hare (Lepus europaeus), a species introduced to Japan. Not to be confused with the native Japanese hare (ニホンノウサギ).
北海道ではヤブノウサギが野生化している。
In Hokkaido, European hares have become feral.
ヤブノウサギはヨーロッパ原産の大型の野ウサギです。
The European hare is a large hare native to Europe.
Compound of 藪 (yabu, 'thicket') + の (no, possessive particle) + 兎 (usagi, 'hare'), literally 'thicket hare'. The name likely refers to its habitat preference. The exact origin of the Japanese name is uncertain.