Wildlife Wednesday 01/07/2026

Hoppy #WildlifeWednesday!

Let’s jump into some fun facts about the most widespread and abundant rabbit in North America, the Eastern cottontail!

This medium-sized rabbit is known and named for its fluffy white tail that resembles a cotton ball.

Its range extends from southern Canada throughout most of the United States and into Mexico, Central America, and northern regions of South America.

The preferred habitats include fields, meadows, forest edges, and brushy areas where it can quickly find cover. It has also adapted to human landscapes such as agricultural fields, cities, and suburban yards.

Primarily an herbivore, the cottontail feeds on grasses, herbs, tender vegetation (such as clover and dandelion), buds, twigs, and bark. It also practices coprophagy, eating its own soft fecal pellets to absorb more nutrients.

Predators of this rabbit include coyotes, foxes, bobcats, minks, hawks, owls, and domestic cats and dogs. Nestling rabbits are vulnerable to snakes, raccoons, and opossums.

When evading predators, the Eastern cottontail must rely on its speed and agility. While being pursued, it will run and hop in a zigzag pattern, reaching speeds close to 20mph.

Its long ears and huge hind feet are body adaptations that help it detect and escape predators. The large brown eyes are located on the side of its head to enable a wide panoramic view.

While the technical term for a baby rabbit is “kit,” they are more commonly and affectionately referred to as bunnies.