A small cottontail of Pacific Coast brushy habitats. Smaller and darker than other US cottontails.

Native status: Native to Pacific Coast; declining in some areas

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 30–40 cm; tail 2.5–4 cm
Weight500–800 g
LifespanWild 1–2 years
OrderLagomorpha
FamilyLeporidae

§ Encyclopedia

The brush rabbit, or western brush rabbit, or Californian brush rabbit, is a species of cottontail rabbit found in western coastal regions of North America, from the Columbia River in Oregon to the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula. Its range extends as far east as the eastern sides of the Sierra Nevada and Cascade mountain ranges.

Source: Wikipedia — Brush rabbit Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Small cottontail with brown back, white belly; small white-tipped tail; relatively short ears.

Similar species. Other Sylvilagus species (different ranges).

Voice. Generally silent.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Grasses, forbs, twigs.

Behavior. Small cottontail of Pacific Coast brushy habitats. State-listed in some areas.

§ Range

Pacific Coast from southern Washington to Baja California

§ Habitat

Coastal scrub, chaparral, riparian thickets

§ Threats

Habitat loss to development.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the brush rabbit is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Maintain shrubby native plantings. Don't over-mow.

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§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • American Society of Mammalogists
  • State wildlife agencies
  • IUCN Red List 2016