eastern cottontail rabbits
To Protect Rabbit Nests: Mow around—not over—nest sites. Do not visit a nest site; the odor from your presence may attract predators. If the nest is uncovered due to mowing, etc., re-cover with the disturbed debris from the nest top or other suitable material such as dry grass and leaves.
For More Information Contact: Beth Shoaf 724-925-6862 [email protected]
If the babies are removed from the nest, they can be returned if they are healthy, uninjured, warm, dry, and no flies are present.
Eastern Cottontail Rabbits
Replacement should be done without the presence of children or pets. Cover the nest. Using twigs or short pieces of yarn, criss-cross the pieces over the cover. If the markers have been disturbed the next day, it is an indication that the mother has returned to feed. The mother visits the nest at dusk, dawn, and sometimes in the middle of the night. Keep free-roaming cats and dogs confined during rabbit-breeding season. Touching wild babies will not cause abandonment. Wild animals do not abandon their young.
Wildlife Works, Inc. is a volunteer based, non-profit organization dedicated to the rehabilitation and release of distressed wildlife and the promotion of responsible attitudes about the preservation of native species, habitat, and environment.
Wildlife Works, Inc. P.O. Box 113 Youngwood, PA 15697 724-925-6862
Eastern Cottontail Rabbits One of eleven genera within the family Leporidae, the Cottontail Rabbit is classified as a true rabbit. In North America, there are eight sub-species of Sylviagus with the Eastern Cottontail being the most widely distributed. Its range extends east from the mid-western United States and south from southern Canada through Mexico and beyond. A denizen of hedgerows, open woodlands, meadows, roadsides, parks, and backyards, the cottontail is usually a solitary animal. Being crepuscular, it is most active at dusk and dawn. At rest during the day, cottontails use a “form” which is usually a shallow depression in dense cover. The birthing nest, built by the female rabbit, or doe, is a shallow “bowl” which is lined and covered with grasses, leaves, and soft fur which she plucks from her breast and belly. After a gestation period of 28-30 days, she births into the nest. If she is unable to reach the nest when labor starts, each newborn is carried to the nest much like a cat transports her kittens. Once they are “tucked in,” the cover blanket is pulled over the newborn rabbits and the doe leaves the nest (Harrison/ Harrison, 1985). From a nearby, secluded vantage point she keeps guard over the nest and visits to nurse at dusk, dawn, and sometimes during the night.
At feeding time, the mother cautiously leaves her hiding place and approaches the nest. With her forepaws and muzzle she pulls away the nursery blanket and stretches out on top of the nest. She appears to be resting; however, the young have actually pulled themselves up to nurse. When feeding is completed, she replaces the blanket of fur and debris over the young rabbits and leaves the nest. The newborns’ ears lie tightly pressed against the head, as both the eyes and ears are sealed shut upon birth. Four to six young are typical litters even though as many as eight have been found in one nest. In five to eight days, the eyes are opened and ears stand upright. Their bodies are covered with soft fur and some have a white “blaze” marking on the forehead which will disappear with maturity.
Its home range is small and may not extend beyond the backyard. It will become familiar with every rock, stump, log, weed patch, brush pile, or burrow in its territory. There it will seek camouflage or shelter when danger is present. The creation of brush piles from tree and shrub trimmings is ecologically sound and a favorite of cottontails for hiding. Mortality in cottontails is extremely high. Many are killed while still in the nest by predators including dogs, cats , lawnmowers, agricultural machinery, and by drowning in heavy rainstorms. Studies indicate that less than one-half of all nestling cottontails live to leave the nest, and a mere 20% live more than one year (Harrison/Harrison, 1985).
By two weeks of age, young cottontails will start venturing from the birthing form to play, explore, and nibble at succulent green grasses and other tender vegetation. For a few days they will return to the form to sleep and nurse. By 21 days, they will disperse and become independent while their mother is making preparations for the birthing of her next litter. No larger than a man’s fist, the newly independent young rabbit is vulnerable to attacks by cats, dogs, and other predators.
Donations are always gratefully appreciated.
For More Information Contact: Beth Shoaf 724-925-6862 [email protected]
If the babies are removed from the nest, they can be returned if they are healthy, uninjured, warm, dry, and no flies are present.
Eastern Cottontail Rabbits
Replacement should be done without the presence of children or pets. Cover the nest. Using twigs or short pieces of yarn, criss-cross the pieces over the cover. If the markers have been disturbed the next day, it is an indication that the mother has returned to feed. The mother visits the nest at dusk, dawn, and sometimes in the middle of the night. Keep free-roaming cats and dogs confined during rabbit-breeding season. Touching wild babies will not cause abandonment. Wild animals do not abandon their young.
Wildlife Works, Inc. is a volunteer based, non-profit organization dedicated to the rehabilitation and release of distressed wildlife and the promotion of responsible attitudes about the preservation of native species, habitat, and environment.
Wildlife Works, Inc. P.O. Box 113 Youngwood, PA 15697 724-925-6862
Eastern Cottontail Rabbits One of eleven genera within the family Leporidae, the Cottontail Rabbit is classified as a true rabbit. In North America, there are eight sub-species of Sylviagus with the Eastern Cottontail being the most widely distributed. Its range extends east from the mid-western United States and south from southern Canada through Mexico and beyond. A denizen of hedgerows, open woodlands, meadows, roadsides, parks, and backyards, the cottontail is usually a solitary animal. Being crepuscular, it is most active at dusk and dawn. At rest during the day, cottontails use a “form” which is usually a shallow depression in dense cover. The birthing nest, built by the female rabbit, or doe, is a shallow “bowl” which is lined and covered with grasses, leaves, and soft fur which she plucks from her breast and belly. After a gestation period of 28-30 days, she births into the nest. If she is unable to reach the nest when labor starts, each newborn is carried to the nest much like a cat transports her kittens. Once they are “tucked in,” the cover blanket is pulled over the newborn rabbits and the doe leaves the nest (Harrison/ Harrison, 1985). From a nearby, secluded vantage point she keeps guard over the nest and visits to nurse at dusk, dawn, and sometimes during the night.
At feeding time, the mother cautiously leaves her hiding place and approaches the nest. With her forepaws and muzzle she pulls away the nursery blanket and stretches out on top of the nest. She appears to be resting; however, the young have actually pulled themselves up to nurse. When feeding is completed, she replaces the blanket of fur and debris over the young rabbits and leaves the nest. The newborns’ ears lie tightly pressed against the head, as both the eyes and ears are sealed shut upon birth. Four to six young are typical litters even though as many as eight have been found in one nest. In five to eight days, the eyes are opened and ears stand upright. Their bodies are covered with soft fur and some have a white “blaze” marking on the forehead which will disappear with maturity.
Its home range is small and may not extend beyond the backyard. It will become familiar with every rock, stump, log, weed patch, brush pile, or burrow in its territory. There it will seek camouflage or shelter when danger is present. The creation of brush piles from tree and shrub trimmings is ecologically sound and a favorite of cottontails for hiding. Mortality in cottontails is extremely high. Many are killed while still in the nest by predators including dogs, cats , lawnmowers, agricultural machinery, and by drowning in heavy rainstorms. Studies indicate that less than one-half of all nestling cottontails live to leave the nest, and a mere 20% live more than one year (Harrison/Harrison, 1985).
By two weeks of age, young cottontails will start venturing from the birthing form to play, explore, and nibble at succulent green grasses and other tender vegetation. For a few days they will return to the form to sleep and nurse. By 21 days, they will disperse and become independent while their mother is making preparations for the birthing of her next litter. No larger than a man’s fist, the newly independent young rabbit is vulnerable to attacks by cats, dogs, and other predators.
Donations are always gratefully appreciated.
