The familiar cottontail of eastern yards and meadows. Despite massive predation pressure, populations stay strong thanks to up to four litters per year, each averaging 5 young.
§ Quick facts
§ Encyclopedia
The eastern cottontail is a species of rabbit in the family Leporidae. It is the most widespread and abundant rabbit species in North America, inhabiting a wide range that extends from southern Canada throughout most of the United States and into parts of Mexico, Central America, and the northern regions of South America. Known for its distinctive fluffy white tail, which resembles a cotton ball and gives the species its common name, the eastern cottontail typically inhabits open fields, meadows, and brushy areas where it can easily find cover and food. It is a primarily herbivorous, crepuscular mammal that feeds on grasses, herbs, twigs, and bark, and plays an important role in the ecosystem as prey for a variety of predators including foxes, hawks, and owls. Due to its adaptability to human-altered landscapes such as suburban and agricultural areas, the eastern cottontail has maintained stable population levels and is not considered threatened. It is also well known for its high reproductive rate, with females capable of producing multiple large litters annually, which contributes to its widespread presence.
Source: Wikipedia — Eastern cottontail Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
§ Identification
Field marks. Medium-brown above, white below; fluffy white tail.
Similar species. Desert Cottontail. New England Cottontail.
Voice. Generally silent. Screams when seized.
§ Diet & behavior
Diet. Grasses, clovers, garden vegetables, woody twigs.
Behavior. Crepuscular. Solitary outside breeding. Females ("does") build shallow nests.
§ Range
Eastern and central US, into Mexico and Central America
§ Habitat
Brushy fields, hedgerows, suburban yards, woodland edges
§ Threats
Outdoor cats, vehicle strikes, pesticide-treated lawns, rodenticide exposure.
§ Conservation status
According to the IUCN Red List, the eastern cottontail is currently classified as Least Concern.
§ What helps
Keep cats indoors. Skip lawn pesticides. Tolerate occasional garden nibbling.
§ Further reading
- Wikipedia — Eastern cottontail
- www.nwf.org — authoritative profile of Sylvilagus floridanus
- IUCN Red List · taxon 41299
- iNaturalist · taxon 43152
- GBIF occurrence records
- Encyclopedia of Life — Sylvilagus floridanus
§ Sources cited
- NWF Wildlife Guide
- USFWS
- iNaturalist
- IUCN Red List 2016
