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Facts
Adult cottontail rabbits are 15-19 inches long and weigh 2-4 pounds. The ears are large and the hind feet are larger and longer than the front feet. Color range is gray to brownish gray. The tail of this rabbit looks like a tuft of cotton, giving it the common name of cottontail rabbit.
The eastern cottontail rabbit is found in the entire area east of the Rocky Mountains in the United States. This type of rabbit is also found in the southern parts of Canada, parts of Mexico and South America.
Cottontails are herbivores. Any living plant is potential food for them. Garden crops, flowers and ornamental plants are common targets in urban areas. In the wild, cottontails survive on a variety of vegetable material.
Good baits for cottontail rabbits are carrots and apples.
The cottontail's habitat is wherever there is long grass or brush to serve as cover and an adequate food supply
Cottontails usually spend their entire lives in an area the size of ten acres or less and rarely move farther than a mile, seasonally, because of the scarcity of food supply.
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Signs
The presence of a cottontail is usually characterized by damage to garden plants, ornamental flowers, and shrubs.
The appearance of gnawed older woody growth, clean cut clippings of young stems, distinctive dark brown pea-size round droppings and tracks of cottontail identify their presence.
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Trapping Tips
- Cottontails are relatively easy to catch alive with cage traps such as the Kness Kage-All.
- Set cage traps in areas such as gardens and yards where the rabbits are a problem.
- Light concealment of the trap is recommended. Set the Kness Kage-All between bushes or between garden rows.
- Make sure the bait is visible to the animal. Cut the bait into small pieces and place it in a row leading into the trap.