Sylvilagus

Eastern Cottontail

Length: 15” to 19”

Weight: 2 to 4 pounds

Color: gray or brownish gray

Large ears

Hind feet are much larger than the front feet

Short tail that is white on the underside

Entire life is spent in an area of 10 acres or less

Typical life span: 12 to 15 months

Tulips and the first flower shoots that appear in early spring

Cottontails can raise as many as 6 litters in one year

Litters are born as late as March or April

Cottontail young leave the nest in 2 to 3 weeks

Each rabbit can produce approximately 18 young during the breeding season 

Rabies – Although very rare

Rabbits are an important part of the food chain for hawks, owls, fox, mink, weasels and snakes