Our Cottontail has long ears, several inches long, and a white, fluffy tail (images 1,2). Its eyes are on opposite sides of the face to provide an excellent field of view, without having to turn its head. These rabbits grow to about 16 inches long and weigh up to 3 pounds, with the females usually larger than the males. They walk or hop around while feeding on grass, clover and other plants, but can dash at great speeds and in a zigzag track when chased by predators.
These rabbits occur mostly on the floodplain in Fontenelle Forest, at the edges of woodlands and thickets, where cover is available, yet close to habitation and meadows where grasses, clover and other food sources are plentiful. They are considered common in abundance, yet their sightings vary greatly from year to year and by season. They do not hibernate during winter, and their tracks may be seen in winter after a fresh snowfall.
The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Forest who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page is: Roland Barth.