There are several species of cottontail rabbit, but the eastern cottontail is the most common. This ubiquitous animal can be found from Canada to South America and, in the United States, from the East Coast to the Great Plains.
Are cottontail rabbits native?
It is abundant in Midwest North America , and has been found in New Mexico and Arizona. Its range expanded north as forests were cleared by settlers. Originally, it was not found in New England, but it has been introduced and now competes for habitat there with the native New England cottontail.
How are cottontail rabbits born?
Cottontails are born with their eyes shut . At intervals, the mother goes off to feed and then sneaks back to the nest to nurse her babies. The young develop very quickly and go off on their own about two weeks after birth. Females can breed and become pregnant again soon after delivering a litter.
Are cottontail rabbits rare?
Over the last 50 years the range of this once-common rabbit has shrunk and its population has dwindled. Today, biologists believe there are only around 13,000 New England cottontails left .
Are cottontail rabbits native to North America?
The most familiar native rabbit in much of North America is the eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus), a relatively small species that typically weighs about 2.4-3.3 lb (1.1-1.5 kg), with females being slightly larger than males. ... This rabbit is abundant across southeastern North America, extending into Mexico.
What is a cottontail rabbits favorite food?
Favorite Foods
In summer cottontails eat grasses, sedges, clovers , and the shoots, stems, leaves, flowers, and seeds of many different plants. Their favorites include goldenrod, plantain, chickweed, sheep sorrel, buttercup, smartweed, wild strawberry, cinquefoil, and violet.
Can cottontail rabbits be pets?
Unfortunately, cottontail rabbits are not the right candidates for a lavish pet lifestyle. These beautiful animals have lived in the wild for eons, and that is where they should continue to stay. Keeping a cottontail might sound appealing, but they won’t do well in captivity .
What is the lifespan of a cottontail rabbit?
Though cottontails are prolific breeders, they often have a lifespan of less than two years in the wild .
Where do cottontail rabbits sleep at night?
In the wild, bunnies sleep in burrows or deeply nested areas . Provide your pet with a safe, secure place to doze. Your best bet for bedding is either hay or straw, both of which he can eat. In fact, your rabbit needs a constant supply of hay to help keep his gut moving and his constantly growing teeth worn down.
Why do male rabbits fall over after mating?
A male rabbit falls off after mating because of a systematic tensing and relaxing of his muscles . During mating, the bucks muscles get progressively tenser, and upon successfully mating all of those muscles clench up completely and then relax completely causing the rabbit to fall off.
How can you tell how old a cottontail rabbit is?
Baby conttontails go mobile between three and four weeks of age . If the cottontail is roughly the size of a baseball, it is old enough to be fully on its own and there is no need to take any action. If the cottontail’s eyes are closed or it is smaller than a baseball, simply find the nest and renest it.
How much do cottontail rabbits cost?
Expect to pay $20-$40 for a rabbit from a pet store, and $5-$20 for a rabbit from a rescue, fair, or 4-H club. Breeders vary in what they charge for their specific breed of rabbit. Some are cheaper than pet stores while others with rare breeds will charge closer to $100 for a rabbit.
Do cottontail rabbits drink water?
Cottontails rarely drink , and free water does not appear to be a requirement for either their survival or reproduction. However, moist areas act as an attractant because of succulent vegetation.
Do rabbits mate for life?
Rabbits do not mate for life and they are not monogamous. Rabbits breed often and they will breed with the nearest rabbit of the opposite sex. If there is more than one buck (male rabbit) is present, they will likely fight with the strongest buck earning the opportunity to mate with the female rabbit.
What animals eat cottontail rabbits?
Cottontail rabbits are prey for a variety of predators — coyotes, owls, hawks, foxes, skunks, raccoons, snakes, weasels, opossums, cats and dogs .
Who brought rabbits to America?
Although the European rabbit arrived in America with european settlers , and established a large wild population, rabbits were mostly hunted in the wild until the late 19th century.
