
Eastern Cottontail
Hop into adventure with this fluffy garden buddy!

The Basics
Scientific Name
Sylvilagus floridanus
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Location
North America
Average size
15 to 18 inches long
diet
Grasses, clover, fruits
lifespan
1 to 3 years
Let’s Explore
Overview
The Eastern Cottontail is a charming and fluffy rabbit found throughout North America. This adorable mammal belongs to the family Leporidae and sports a common name that sounds as soft as its fur!
These bouncy bunnies typically measure between 38 to 46 centimeters (15 to 18 inches) long. They love to hop around in fields and gardens, munching on delicious grasses, clover, and fruits.
Life as an Eastern Cottontail can be quite short, with a lifespan of 1 to 3 years. But in that time, they sure know how to make the most of every hop and nibble!
Eastern Cottontails use their strong hind legs to sprint away from predators. They can reach impressive speeds of up to 56 kilometers per hour (35 miles per hour) when running for their lives!
These bunnies are known for their iconic fluffy tails, which help them signal danger to other cottontails when they are on the move. When startled, they dash into hiding, but their tail stands up like a little flag, making them harder to spot in the underbrush!
Reproduction for Eastern Cottontails is lively, with females capable of having several litters each year. Each litter can include 3 to 12 adorable baby bunnies, called kits, who grow up hopping around like pros!
Whether they're munching on a fresh salad of greens or bounding through the tall grass, Eastern Cottontails add a spark of joy to the natural world. So next time you see an adorable bunny, take a moment to appreciate their delightful contribution to our environment!
Where can you find a Eastern Cottontail in the wild?
What does a Eastern Cottontail eat?
How big can a Eastern Cottontail grow?
How long does a Eastern Cottontail typically live?
What is the conservation status of the Eastern Cottontail?
What are the main threats to the Eastern Cottontail?
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