Eastern Cottontail

(Sylvilagus floridanus)

Quick ID

Small to medium-sized rabbit with a round body, long ears, and a fluffy white “cotton ball” tail.
Fur is brownish-gray with rusty highlights on the nape.
The underside is white, and eyes are large and dark.
When startled, it freezes or bolts in a zigzag pattern.

Ecological Role

Eastern cottontails are important herbivores and prey species. They graze on grasses, herbs, and garden plants—helping shape plant communities. In turn, they provide food for hawks, owls, foxes, coyotes, snakes, and bobcats. Their burrows and runways also provide shelter for smaller species like mice and quail chicks.

At-a-Glance

Trait	Description
Size	14–19 in long; 2–4 lbs
Lifespan	1–3 years (wild)
Diet	Grasses, herbs, bark, twigs, garden plants
Activity	Crepuscular (dawn/dusk)
Tracks	Hind feet ahead of smaller front prints; forms a “Y” pattern when hopping
Calls	Usually silent; emits high-pitched squeal when alarmed

Where to Find It

Common across Virginia and much of eastern and central North America. Look for them in grassy fields, overgrown lots, forest edges, suburban yards, and hedgerows. They’re crepuscular—most active at dawn and dusk.

Look-Alikes

Swamp Rabbit (Sylvilagus aquaticus) – Larger, found in wet bottomlands of the Southeast; darker fur and shorter ears.
Appalachian Cottontail (Sylvilagus obscurus) – Found in higher elevations; darker coat, smaller white tail patch, and more reclusive behavior.

Why It Matters

As a keystone prey species, cottontails sustain a variety of native predators and reflect the health of early-successional habitats (weedy fields, brushy edges, and thickets). Their presence can indicate a balanced food web, while population drops can warn of habitat loss or fragmentation.

Safety

Avoid handling wild rabbits—they can carry parasites and diseases such as tularemia.
If you find a nest, don’t disturb it—mother rabbits visit only briefly, usually at dawn and dusk.
Keep pets leashed; outdoor cats and dogs are major threats to cottontail populations.

Fun Fact

Cottontails can have up to seven litters a year, each with 3–8 young! Despite high predation rates, this rapid reproduction helps them maintain stable populations. Baby cottontails are born fully furred and independent within just a few weeks.

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