Eastern Cottontail

Sylvilagus floridanus

This common rabbit thrives in brush, abandoned farmlands, and suburbs. Mainly out at night, it can sometimes be seen around sunrise and sunset and on dark days. The Eastern Cottontail gives birth to several litters a year, with as many as seven young per litter. This helps keep the species from dying out, since it is preyed upon by many animals. A Red-tailed Hawk perched in a tree over brush is sometimes a good sign that a cottontail is nearby.

Look For : A gray-brown rabbit with a white "cottontail," rusty orange fur behind its ears, and whitish feet.

Length : Body 13-16" long, tail 2-3" long; 2-4 lb.

Habitat : Abandoned fields and brushy areas.

Range : Eastern U.S. except for northern New England; west through North Dakota, Kansas, Texas; also in New Mexico and Arizona.