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Rabbits can be found on every continent in the world except Antarctica. You might be surprised to learn that there are about 29 species of wild rabbits, and over 300 variations of domestic rabbits, including recognized breeds and their many coat colors and types, depending on regional breed standards. Cottontail rabbits are the most commonly found species in North America. They’re also abundant in South and Central America. There are over 15 cottontail rabbit species.
The eastern cottontail rabbit is the most commonly found species in the U.S.1 As crepuscular creatures, they are most active during the hours close to dawn and dusk. While some rabbits dig burrows to live in, most cottontail rabbits prefer to rest in shallow depressions above ground that are often covered by thick brush or grass.
Where Do Cottontail Rabbits Live?
Cottontail rabbits can be found throughout North and South America, including Canada, Brazil, Panama, Mexico, and Suriname. In North America, eastern cottontails are the most commonly seen rabbit species in the eastern US, though they can also be found in New Mexico and Arizona.
Male eastern cottontail rabbits often have ranges that max out at 8 acres, but many are happy with 1 acre if there’s enough food to be found. Females generally have smaller territories than males, with most having ranges close to 3 acres. Unlike other species that dig burrows, cottontails make their homes above ground in depressions covered by shrubs, dead leaves, and twigs. They’re also known to sleep under decks in suburban neighborhoods.
How Long Do Wild Eastern Cottontail Rabbits Live?
Eastern cottontail rabbits in North America typically live for 1 to 9 years, though the average is closer to 2 years. Domesticated pets regularly make it to 10-12 years. Wild rabbits are prey animals in most environments, so an increase in predators can result in a drop in rabbit numbers.
Dogs, cats, prey birds, and bobcats all prey on rabbits. They’re also hunted in many states in the U.S. Rabbits in some areas are suffering the consequences of habitat loss.
What Do Wild Eastern Cottontail Rabbits Eat?
Eastern cottontail rabbits are herbivores, meaning their bodies are designed to obtain nutrients from plant matter. They generally eat materials like clover, grass, and dandelions. During colder months, they consume twigs, seeds, and bark when food becomes harder to find.
They’re notorious for nibbling on garden vegetables during the spring and summer months. They typically prefer to eat during dusk and dawn but often eat at night during winter.
Are Wild Cottontail Rabbits Different From Domestic Rabbits?
Yes. Domestic rabbits have a common ancestor, the European rabbit. They come in various colors and can weigh anywhere from 2 to close to 20 pounds. There are more than 300 domesticated bunny breeds of varying sizes, colors, fur lengths, and temperaments.
Most cottontail rabbits have brown or gray-brown fur and white undersides. They also tend to be quite nervous around humans. Most weigh between 2 and 6 pounds, though there are exceptions. Domestic rabbits and cottontail rabbits are different species.
Domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and cottontail rabbits (Sylvilagus spp.) are different species and belong to different genera, the two are so different that they can’t even produce offspring if they mate. They also have different ways of nesting. Domestic bunnies burrow, while cottontail rabbits prefer snuggling up in shallow above-ground depressions.
Bunnies Like Burrows, Don’t They?
It does seem to go against the traditional view of rabbits exploring in underground burrows, particularly for those of us familiar with the classic, Watership Down, but although wild cottontails prefer to stay closer to the surface, there are still plenty of species that live in burrows, which is reflected in the nesting behavior of many domesticated rabbits.
Most pet bunnies are of the European variety. These rabbits are highly social, and live in complex underground runnel networks called warrens. The natural instinct to dig and form social groups is something that is often overlooked when providing for pet rabbits, so it is important for bunny owners to provide their pets with company and opportunities to dig.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can Domestic Bunnies Mate With Any Wild Rabbits?
Yes! Most domestic rabbits are members of the same species as European rabbits. It’s possible for domestic rabbits and wild European rabbits found in the U.K. and on the European continent to breed and produce offspring. However, as most wild rabbits in America are the Sylvilagus species, domestic rabbits cannot successfully reproduce with them. In places where domestic rabbits have escaped or been released into the wild, population numbers can increase rapidly, even in plague proportions, as has occurred in Australia.
Can You Tame a Wild Eastern Cottontail Rabbit?
Wild rabbits are scared of humans, and most healthy adults view people as threats and run when approached. Some may bite or kick when handled. If you accidentally disturb a nest while mowing your lawn, try to set things back as close to the way they were as possible. Check to see if the mother returns, which is the most likely outcome.
Contact a local wildlife rehabilitator for help if you discover orphaned rabbit babies. Resist the urge to feed the babies or give them water, as this can create problems, particularly if you are unsure of their appropriate diet or the animals need medical tests or treatment.
How Often Do Wild Eastern Cottontail Rabbits Reproduce?
Eastern cottontail rabbits have relatively short gestation periods of around 28 days. Female rabbits can mate almost immediately after giving birth, and most have three or four litters per year. Female eastern cottontail rabbits often give birth to litters varying in size from one to nine kits, but four or five is closer to the average.
Mating season lasts from February through September. Kits are usually weaned after about 3 weeks and become independent and strike out on their own when they hit 7 weeks. Most reach sexual maturity when they’re close to 3 months old.
Final Thoughts
Eastern cottontails are the most common wild rabbits in the U.S. Unlike domestic bunnies and other rabbit species, cottontails prefer sleeping above ground surrounded by thickets and leaves for protection. Most eastern cottontail rabbits live short lives, usually around 2 years or so, but those raised in captivity can live much longer. However, cottontails are unsuitable pets since they’re afraid of humans and are not as gentle as domestic species.
Featured Image Credit: Jerry Morse, Shutterstock
