What Type of Climate Does a Cottontail Rabbit Live In?

Cottontail rabbits are named for their cottonball-type tail. They have long ears and long back feet. There are 16 different species of cottontail rabbits. The eastern variety is the most commonly found type of cottontail. These rabbits can range in color from reddish brown to gray, but they all have the same type of fluffy tail.

  1. Habitat

    • Cottontail rabbits make their homes in tall, thick grass, on the edges of fields and forests and along fences. They must have a place to hide in the daytime such as bushes or areas of tall grass, as they are active at night. Cottontails also make their habitat close to a food source. Cottontail rabbits can be found in North America, Central America and South America. They can live anywhere, from cold climates to very hot, desert climates.

    Food

    • Cottontails eat differently in summer and winter. In the summer time, cottontails eat mainly grasses, including vegetables from gardens making them quite a pest. In the winter, cottontail rabbits change to eating bushes, tree buds and bark. This is because the grasses and vegetables are not as readily available in the winter.

    Cottontail Homes

    • Cottontails makes what is known as forms, or depressions, in the ground where they live. They seldom go inside anything like a log or a cave unless they are escaping bad weather. Cottontails usually stays between 3 and 6 acres from their home and they typically travel the same trails every day. Cottontails are often found inhabiting the same areas as humans due to the abundant food supply.

    Interesting Facts

    • When they are scared, a cottontail can run up to 18 miles an hour, but only for a short distance. They often will run in a zig zag pattern as a means to avoid capture. Only 15 percent of new born cottontails will survive their first year of life. Young cottontails are popular prey for other animals. Cottontail rabbits have a high productivity rate. Female cottontails have two to four litters a year with three to eight young in each litter. Cottontail rabbits are very good swimmers, although they don't swim often.