EASTERN COTTONTAIL RABBIT

Scientific Classification

COMMON NAME: Eastern Cottontail Rabbit

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Sylvilagus floridanus

TYPE: Mammals

DIET: Herbivores

AVERAGE LIFE SPAN IN THE WILD: Up to 3 years

SIZE: 15.5 to 18.75 in

WEIGHT: 28 to 54 oz

DESCRIPTION

There are several species of cottontail rabbit, but the eastern cottontail is the most common. This ubiquitous animal can be found from Canada to South America and, in the United States, from the East Coast to the Great Plains. Cottontails range from reddish brown to gray, but all feature the distinctive “cotton ball” tail for which they are named.

HABITAT AND DIET

These rabbits seek out habitat on the fringes of open spaces, such as fields, meadows, and farms, but can adapt to other habitats—including those of humans.

They browse at night on grasses and herbs and are fond of garden fare such as peas and, of course, lettuce. In winter, their diet becomes a bit coarse and consists of bark, twigs, and buds. During the day, cottontails often remain hidden in vegetation. If spotted, they flee from prey with a zigzag pattern, sometimes reaching speeds of up to 18 miles an hour.

REPRODUCTION

These rabbits seek out habitat on the fringes of open spaces, such as fields, meadows, and farms, but can adapt to other habitats—including those of humans.

They browse at night on grasses and herbs and are fond of garden fare such as peas and, of course, lettuce. In winter, their diet becomes a bit coarse and consists of bark, twigs, and buds. During the day, cottontails often remain hidden in vegetation. If spotted, they flee from prey with a zigzag pattern, sometimes reaching speeds of up to 18 miles an hour.

RABBIT DISEASES

Rabbits can be affected by a number of diseases. These include pathogens that also affect other animals and/or humans, such as Bordetella bronchiseptica and Escherichia coli, as well as diseases unique to rabbits such as rabbit haemorrhagic disease: a form of calicivirus, and myxomatosis.

Rabbits and hares are almost never found to be infected with rabies and have not been known to transmit rabies to humans.

Among the parasites that infect rabbits are tapeworms such as Taenia serialis, external parasites like fleas and mites, coccidia species, and Toxoplasma gondii.

Domesticated rabbits are prone to gastrointestinal stasis due to lack of access to high fiber foods like hay and grass. 

DIFFERENCES FROM HARES

The most obvious difference between rabbits and hares is how their kits are born. Rabbits are altricial, having young that are born blind and hairless. In contrast, hares are precocial, born with hair and good vision. All rabbits except cottontail rabbits live underground in burrows or warrens, while hares live in simple nests above the ground (as do cottontail rabbits), and usually do not live in groups. Hares are generally larger than rabbits, with longer ears, larger and longer hind legs and have black markings on their fur. Hares have not been domesticated, while European rabbits are both raised for meat and kept as pets.

resource from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rabbit#In_culture_and_literature

                       https://www.petsmart.com/small-pet/cages-habitats-and-hutches/cages/national-geographicandtrade-connectable-rabbit-small-animal-habitat-5231970.html

                        http://www.rabbit.org/faq/sections/aggression.html#basics
                        http://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/e/eastern-cottontail-rabbit/