Mammals:
* Coyotes: One of the most common predators, especially for young rabbits.
* Badgers: These powerful animals dig out prairie rabbits from their burrows.
* Foxes: Both red foxes and kit foxes are known to prey on prairie rabbits.
* Bobcats: While not as common in all areas, bobcats can pose a threat to rabbits.
* Hawks: Several hawk species, such as red-tailed hawks and ferruginous hawks, hunt rabbits.
* Owls: Great horned owls and short-eared owls are nocturnal predators that can take down rabbits.
* Snakes: Some snake species, like rattlesnakes, may occasionally prey on young rabbits.
Other Predators:
* Domestic cats: Feral and even pet cats can hunt and kill prairie rabbits.
* Dogs: Some dogs, especially hunting dogs, can prey on rabbits.
It's important to remember that the specific predators in a given area can vary depending on the local ecosystem. Prairie rabbits have developed several strategies to avoid predators, including:
* Burrowing: They spend a lot of time underground in burrows for safety.
* Alertness: They are highly vigilant and quick to flee from danger.
* Reproduction: They reproduce rapidly, helping to maintain their populations despite predation.