The Differences Between Domestic & Wild Rabbits

Wild and domestic rabbits both come from the family of animals called Leporidae, but that is where many of their similarities end. Not only do wild and domestic rabbits differ physically, their social and behavioral characteristics are vastly different. One might compare the wild and domestic rabbits to the wolf and dog. While sharing obvious characteristics, they are very different creatures.

  1. History

    • Most of the world's wild rabbits live in the Western hemisphere. They are also native to Europe, Southeast Asia and Africa. American domestic rabbits are actually descendant from the European hare, which exhibits extremely different social behaviors from the wild American Cottontail rabbit. Despite sharing an animal family, domestic and wild rabbits have evolved to become genetically incompatible and can't produce offspring.

    Physical

    • Brown fur and a narrow head signify the wild rabbit.

      Wild rabbits are a light brown color, called Agouti. This is the easiest way to differentiate a wild rabbit from a domestic rabbit. A domestic rabbit will be noticeable by its droopy lop ears, spotted coat or albino fur. Wild rabbits are much smaller than domestic rabbits, with adult Cottontails weighing up to 4 pounds and domestic rabbits reaching more than 10 pounds, according to breed. Wild rabbits have a smaller, narrow head, while domestic rabbits have rounded heads and chubby cheeks.

    Social

    • Domestic rabbits are very social and can bond with almost any domestic household pet.

      North American wild rabbits build their nests above ground, usually inside protective bushes or wooded areas, and live relatively solitary lives. European wild rabbits, however, build complicated and massive underground warrens, where they engage in a complex social hierarchy. Because domestic rabbits descend from European rabbits, they too have a strong sense of community and social hierarchies.

    Behavioral

    • Wild and domestic rabbits exhibit wildly different behavior when encountering humans. Wild rabbits have no interest in humans and will bolt, alarmed, if they see one. Domestic rabbits however, unless they have been abused by a human, will approach them with only minimal caution. In most states, it's illegal to own a wild rabbit, so if you're interested in bunny behavior, adopt a domesticated breed.