Eastern Cottontail

NPS Photo

Scientific Name

Sylvilagus floridanus

Identification

• 1.5-3 lbs.
• Has dense brown-gray fur and a white underside of its tail, which is most visible when it's running

Range and Habitat

Eastern cottontails are some of the most abundant and widespread rabbits in the United States. They are wildly abundant along the Missouri National Recreational River. They live in forest clearings as well as meadows, farmlands, and residential areas. They rely on many of these areas for food and for "escape route" to evade predators.

Diet

The eastern cottontail is an herbivore, and eats a wide variety of plant parts. Grasses and legumes are favorites. However, cottontails also consume many broad-leaved plants like goldenrod and dandelions. In orchards and farmlands, corn and apples that have fallen to the ground are important foods in late summer, autumn and winter until covered by snow. The buds, twigs and bark of woody vegetation may form the bulk of the diet during winter.

Fun Facts

• They can leap up to 15 feet.
• These cottontails are fast. They can travel up to 18 miles per hour when fleeing predators.
• Sometimes, they eat their own droppings.

 

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