* Food availability: Deciduous forests offer a mix of grasses, herbs, and shrubs, which rabbits can eat. However, the availability of these food sources changes seasonally as trees lose their leaves in the fall and grow new ones in the spring.
* Predation: Deciduous forests can be home to many predators like foxes, bobcats, hawks, and owls, which can pose a threat to rabbits.
* Shelter: Rabbits need dense vegetation for cover and protection. Deciduous forests can provide this, especially in the undergrowth.
* Specific species: Some rabbit species, like the Eastern Cottontail, are well-adapted to living in deciduous forests, while others may prefer different habitats.
Therefore, the presence of rabbits in a deciduous forest depends on several factors, including the specific rabbit species, the forest's structure and food availability, and the presence of predators.