Species of the Week -Eastern Cottontail

The Eastern Cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus) is a medium sized rabbit, red-brown or gray-brown in color, with large hind feet, long ears, and a short, fluffy white tail. Its underside fur is white, and there is a brownish patch on the tail. They are herbivores.

The Eastern Cottontail is the most common species of rabbit found in North America! It’s in the family Leporidae, which includes all rabbits and hares. It’s a cosmopolitan species in North America, meaning that you can find it pretty much everywhere, including meadows and shrubby areas in the eastern and south-central United States, southern Canada, eastern Mexico, Central America and northernmost South America. It is abundant in Midwest North America, and has been found in New Mexico and Arizona. It is not native to New England, but has been introduced here, which puts it in direct competition with the native New England Cottontail. There are 18 recognized subspecies of the Eastern Cottontail, and they are considered of least concern by the IUCN, even though they are a popular game animal.

These rabbits breed 3-4 times a year and have about 8 young per litter, although only 15% will survive the first year. Young rabbits are quickly and can survive on their own after a few weeks. They become sexually mature in approximately 2-3 months, so the population can grow very quickly.

Posted on March 19, 2019 02:08 PM by lilye828