- Only eagle eyes can distinguish the mountain hares in the Monadhliath Mountains
It is almost perfectly hidden among the snow-covered rocks.
Now a wildlife photographer has challenged people to spot a mountain hare hiding in the Highlands.
Andy Howard says he waited four hours in the Monadhliath Mountains last Tuesday (January 16) to photograph the creature, but the ‘master of disguises’ is not easy to spot.
The 53-year-old’s photo shows the white hare ‘perfectly camouflaged’ from the inside.
He posted it on Facebook and challenged his followers to find the mountain hare, with more than 130 users liking the ‘brain teaser’.
Mr Howard, from Inverness, said: ‘Mountain hares are masters of disguise.
A wildlife photographer challenged nature lovers to spot a sneaky mountain hare hiding in the snow-capped Scottish Highlands, leaving some so baffled they gave up – but can you spot it?
Andy Howard says he waited four hours in the Monadhliath Mountains on Tuesday to photograph a mountain hare
The 53-year-old’s stunning photo shows the snow-covered rocks of the icy location, with the white hare ‘perfectly camouflaged’ inside
‘They are notoriously difficult to find because they sit on small, flattened depressions in the snow called shapes. It takes a well-trained eye to recognize them.
‘It’s fun to challenge my followers on social media to find a hare hidden among the rocks, while perfectly camouflaging themselves in the environment.
‘I’ve been spotting mountain hares for years and my eye seems to be able to find them without me having to look – which is a good skill for a wildlife photographer.
‘I am very happy with this image. Mountain hare populations are declining, mainly due to climate change, so this makes them more difficult to find.
‘It’s even more difficult when you’re looking for a small, white and perfectly camouflaged animal on a snowy mountainside.
‘For me, nothing is more beautiful than a white mountain hare in winter conditions.
“They are perfectly adapted to snowstorm conditions and temperatures well below freezing.”