Eastern Cottontail

The eastern cottontail has a distinctive white spot on its forehead when young and fur that ranges from reddish-brown to grayish-brown, with large hind feet, long ears, and a short, fluffy white tail. Its underside is white, and there is a rusty patch near the tail. It differs from a hare in its overall smaller size and brownish-gray coloring around the head and neck, with a lighter-colored body and a white underside on the tail. The species also has large brown eyes and long ears adapted for detecting predators. During winter, the eastern cottontail's pelage becomes more gray than brown. Kits (young rabbits) develop a similar coloring after a few weeks but are born with a white blaze running down their forehead, which fades as they mature. This rabbit is medium-sized, measuring 36–48 cm (14–19 in) in total length, including a tail that averages 5.3 cm (2.1 in). Adults typically weigh between 1.8 and 4.4 lb (800 and 2,000 g), with an average of around 2.6 lb (1,200 g). Females tend to be slightly heavier than males, although the sexes broadly overlap in size. The species exhibits slight geographic variation in body size, with individuals generally increasing in mass from southern to northern latitudes, in line with Bergmann's rule. …

The eastern cottontail inhabits meadows, shrubby areas, and edge habitats throughout the eastern and south-central United States, southern Canada, eastern Mexico, Central America, and northernmost South America. It is also present on Margarita Island in the Caribbean. The species is especially abundant across the Midwest of North America, and its range expanded northward as forests were cleared by settlers. Originally absent from New England, it has since been introduced there, where it now competes with the native New England cottontail (Sylvilagus transitionalis). It has also been introduced to parts of Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia. In the 1950s and 1960s, the species was introduced to France and northern Italy, where it underwent rapid territorial expansion and population growth. It was also introduced to Cuba at some point, most likely from the United States in the early 20th century when massive efforts were being made to introduce new species to the island. Populations in the mountainous regions of the southwestern United States and western Mexico are now considered a separate species, the robust cottontail (S. holzneri). Optimal eastern cottontail habitat includes open grassy areas, clearings, and old fields that support abundant green vegetation, with shrubs or hedgerows providing cover. …

The eastern cottontail is a territorial species that relies on speed and agility to evade predators. When chased, it typically escapes in a zigzag pattern and can reach speeds of up to 18 mph (29 km/h). Cottontails favor habitats where they can feed in the open but quickly retreat to cover when threatened. Preferred environments include forest edges, swamps, brushy thickets, hedgerows, and open fields with nearby shelter. Instead of digging burrows, eastern cottontails rest in a form—a shallow, scratched-out depression in grass or beneath dense vegetation—and may use groundhog (Marmota monax) burrows during severe weather or heavy snow. Eastern cottontails are mostly crepuscular and nocturnal, foraging primarily at dawn, dusk, and night. However, they can be seen during the day, particularly in overcast or foggy conditions. They spend much of the daytime resting under vegetative cover and often remain motionless for extended periods to avoid detection. Activity is year-round, as the species does not hibernate.

Home range. Eastern cottontail home ranges are roughly circular in open and uniform habitats. Individuals generally remain within the same range throughout life, although shifts can occur due to weather or vegetation changes. …

The genus name Sylvilagus is derived from Latin silva, meaning "forest" or "woodland," and lagus, a form adapted from Ancient Greek: λαγώς : lagṓs, meaning "hare" or "rabbit," thus translating roughly to "woodland hare." The species epithet floridanus means "of Florida," referencing the region where the species was first scientifically identified.

Evolution and phylogeny. The eastern cottontail belongs to the Leporidae family, which includes all rabbits and hares. Within this family, Sylvilagus is a New World genus that diverged from Old World rabbits and hares millions of years ago. Molecular and morphological studies have identified several distinct species and subspecies within Sylvilagus, highlighting a complex evolutionary history shaped by geographic isolation and environmental adaptation. Separate populations of the eastern cottontail found in different regions display markedly different genetic compositions, which may factor into their adaptability to diverse habitats. Fossil records and genetic data suggest the eastern cottontail expanded its range following the last glacial period, taking advantage of cleared forest landscapes and open habitats.