Desert Cottontail

Description:

The desert cottontail has brown-gray fur above and lighter fur on its undersides. It has big eyes, puffy, round tails and long, wide ears with little fur in them. The female desert cottontail is usually a little larger than the male.

Habitat:

Brushy area along wash running through a subdivision.

Notes:

Cottontail rabbits generally spend their entire lives in an area of 10 acres or less, so if there is suitable habitat within this distance, you are likely to encounter rabbits. During cold weather, they use natural cavities and burrows of other animal for their dens. Otherwise, rabbits seek cover and protection in brush piles, brushy hedgerows, debris filled gullies, and landscaped backyards with suitable cover. Cottontails rarely drink, and free water does not appear to be a requirement for either their survival or reproduction. However, moist areas act as an attractant because of succulent vegetation.