cypselurus's Favorites

This would be a species of Rabbits, specifically it would be called an eastern cottontail rabbit. It would be known as Sylvilagus floridanus scientifically and by genus. The cottontail is a member of the family Leporidae, an order of Lagomorpha, and the Animalia class. In addition to belonging to the class Mammalia and the Phylum Chordata.

This species is medium-sized, brown in colour, and weighs between 1.75 pounds (28 ounces) and 3.375 pounds (54 ounces). Its length is 39–47 cm (15.5 to 18.75 inches).They are capable of travelling at up to 29 km/h (19 mph).The upper fur of the eastern cottontail is mottled brown-grey, but the hair around its neck, shoulders, and nose is lighter and on its undersides. Its large eyes are accompanied by a fluffy white underbelly to its tail. Its fur may be more grey than brown in the winter. The Eastern Cottontail is most recognized for its fluffy white tail. They have keen eyesight, a sharp sense of smell, and hearing. Additionally, they have large brown eyes that are positioned high on their head.

Starting in late February or early March, the breeding process lasts until September. In shallow ground nests, females give birth to weakened young, of which only around 15% survive their first year. Every birth produces three to eight young. The pregnancy phase lasts 28 days on average.​​

Due to the fact that Cottontails or rabbits are key to many links in the food chain causes it to have such a small lifespan.The average lifespan for a cottontail rabbit would be around up to 2 years or under, with about 3 years maximum.

Grassy spaces, with low, thick vegetation providing many locations to nest and escape or create the perfect environment for cottontails. In general, cottontails aren't going to consume more than 300 feet away for safety.Cottontails need many habitats in order for food, and just more protection,Examples of other habitats would be gardens and orchards with thick plants, grassy cornfields, hayfields, brushy fencerows, and wherever there is fruit or vegetables.

Eastern cottontail rabbits are rather numerous in Northern America, based on the maps (on inaturalist). There is a lot more in the Greater Toronto Area in Canada, especially in Toronto. Hamilton, Mississauga, and any other cities in between. Then, the number somewhat decreases in other cities, although Eastern cottontail rabbits are still widely distributed. The species continues to exist in the United States, however it is less common than it is in Canada and is instead spread out. However, the largest concentration of these rabbits is found in areas like Buffalo and Rochester that are closest to the Canadian border.

A fun fact about the Cottontail rabbit is that they are very similar to the European rabbit. European rabbits are larger than cottontails, measuring between 15 and 20 inches from snout to tail and weighing between 3.5 and 5.5 pounds. With a light grey belly and a body mixed of brown, black, and grey fur, the colouring of the fur is similar to the eastern cottontail. The European rabbit does not have the cotton tail that the cottontail rabbit has.