Size: 35 - 39 cm (14 - 15.5 in); 0.7 - 1.2 kg (1.5 - 2.5 lb). When spooked a rabbit will run a couple meters then hide and freeze with ears erect, if further pursued the rabbit will hop away in a semicircular path to try and trick the predator. The Desert Cottontail (Sylvilagus audubonii) is a resident cottontail from much of Mexico northward through the American west north to Montana. Coyotes, foxes, hawks, and owls eat adults. Majority of feeding occurs at dusk and dawn in clearing near cover or in brush. The brown nape on the back of the head is a smaller size from than that of the Snowshoe Hare, helping to distinguish the two separate species from each other. They are found from British Columbia to southern California, and east through Saskatchewan, Montana, and New Mexico. In the United States, cottontail rabbits reside all over the country, both in colder and warmer climates. Rocky Mountains and introductions further west. mountain cottontail Sylvilagus nuttalli Surrounding mountains. Diet Most cottontails feed primarily on herbaceous plants but will eat bark from a variety of trees in the winter. License: Public Domain. (n.d.). Female cottontails can breed at 3 months of … Range Extent. In Central and Eastern MT, sympatric with Mountain Cottontail which uses riparian areas. In Utah, the mountain cottontail, desert cottontail, and snowshoe hare may be hunted with a permit, during a specified hunting season. Habitat: Cottontails mostly live in brushy country. desert cottontail Sylvilagus audobonii Mesquite thickets on valley floor. These moist pellets contain large amounts of nutrients that were passed out of the body the first time, if they are not re-ingested those nutrients will be lost. Maximum life span in the wild is no more than about a year. Dependent on the area the diet may include quantities of shrubs such as Big sagebrush, rabbitbrush, and saltbushes. White tailed jackrabbit Host range: To date, natural infections of RHDV2 have been reported in the European rabbit/domestic rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), desert cottontail (Sylvilagus audubonii), mountain cottontail (S. nuttallii), and some hares of the genus Lepus. Chapman ( 1975) are for the males an average head -body length of 35.2 cm with a range from 33.8 to 37.1 centimeters and the females have an average snout-vent length of 37.2 centimeters at a range from 34.5 to 39 centimeters to. Black tailed jack rabbit . There are 20 different species in the Sylvilagus genus, and each of these rabbits is slightly different. As food sources becomes more limited in the winter months the diet may turn to more woody plant parts such as bark and twigs. Pygmy rabbits may not be hunted during any portion of the year (UDWR 2016). Mountain cottontails live in the mountains and in the northwest, desert cottontails live in the southwest and on the eastern plains, eastern cottontails live in woodlands along watercourses in the east. Eastern Cottontail Sylvilagus floridanus. They eat vegetation, both herbaceous and woody, feeding early morning and late afternoon throughout the year. The desert cottontail has brown-gray fur above and lighter fur on its undersides. It is generally found above 6,000 feet and prefers to live in thickets, sagebrush, rockpiles and cliffs. - NatureWorks These rabbits like to eat lots of different kinds of brushes like rabbitbrush, saltbrush, sagebrush, and … Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get a look of its tail. Above: Desert cottontail Right, top to bottom: Mountain cottontail . Desert Cottontail portrait – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light. Snowshoe Hare Lepus americanus. Meanwhile, there are 8 species of hares ( Lepus spp. ) Range Extent. The liver is mottled dark red to tan and contains multifocal pinpoint red capsular foci (arrow). The pika is a close relative of the rabbits and hares, with two upper incisors on each side of the jaw, one behind the other. Scientific Facts Common Name Mountain Cottontail / Nuttall’s Cottontail Scientific Name Sylvilagus nuttallii Size 35 to 39 cms (13.8 - 15.4 inches) Life Span 3 years or less Habitat Brushy or wooded areas with plenty of vegetation. Many desert animals prey on cottontails, including birds of prey, mustelids, the coyote, the bobcat, wolves, mountain lions, snakes, weasels, humans, and even squirrels, should a cottontail be injured or docile from illness. It ranges from just above the Canada–US border south to Arizona and New Mexico, and from the foothills of the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains and west to the eastern slopes of the Cascade-Sierra Nevada Range.[2]. They spend the day in a shallow depression in the shelter of a thicket. The mountain cottontail is less than half that size, at around 2.5 pounds. Preyed upon by everything from snakes to coyotes to owls, most cottontails are killed within their first year. Cottontail rabbits are among the 20 lagomorph species in the genus Sylvilagus, found in the Americas. Getting There Desert Cottontail (Sylvilagus audubonii) Conservation Status Review Review Date = 05/03/2018 View State Conservation Rank Criteria. The most common species of the western United States include the desert cottontail (S. auduboni, Fig. Pygmy Rabbit Brachylagus idahoensis Species of Concern. 4). This rabbit is a medium-sized cottontail. Desert Cottontail Sylvilagus audubonii. What are the physical differences between desert and mountain cottontails? Mountain Cottontail (Sylvilagus nuttallii) Conservation Status Review Review Date = 05/03/2018 View State Conservation Rank Criteria. Southwestern Native Americans hunted them for meat but also used their fur and hides. Subspecies There are no subspecies of the Appalachian Cottontail. Rabbits vary in Lakewood from the desert cottontail, Mountain cottontail Eastern cottontail, black-tailed jackrabbit, and white-tailed jackrabbit. Retrieved April 27, 2018, from, Dohring, A. The mountain cottontail or Nuttall's cottontail (Sylvilagus nuttallii) is a species of mammal in the family Leporidae.It is found in Canada and the United States.The mountain cottontail is a small rabbit but its size is relatively large for the genus. University of Colorado-Boulder. They have black-tipped ears. Alien species, such as cats and dogs, are also known predators, and also pose a threat. Cottontail Mountain is an easy hour long hike or trail run. However, most are brown, tan, or grey, in color, and relatively small. Also known as Audubon's cottontail, the desert cottontail (Sylvilagus audubonii) is a New World cottontail rabbit that can be found throughout thewestern United Statesfrom easternMontanato westernTexas, and in northern andcentral Mexico.It is found at heights of up to 2,000m (6,600ft). Lifespan. [3] Dependent on the area the diet may include quantities of shrubs such as Big sagebrush, rabbitbrush, and saltbushes. It is ideal for a quick outing. The desert cottontail (Sylvilagus auduboni) is found in the western half of Texas and much of the West, from Canada into central Mexico. Almost everyone recognizes rabbits with their distinctive hopping gait and long ears. [2] The gestation period for this cottontail is 28–30 days, and the female may be bred during postpartum estrous. The most common social behavior seen is during reproductive actions or courting. They have relatively long ears and, like most rabbits, they are quick on their feet. Interesting Facts Appalachian Cottontails are also known as: Allegheny Cottontail Similar Animals Mountain Cottontail Desert Cottontail New England Cottontail Eastern Cottontail It may inhabit pinyon-juniper woodland, brush, riparian areas as well as true desert habitats. cottontail rabbit walking on crusted snow from blowing wind. Mountain cottontail diet is made up in large part of grasses such as wheatgrasses, needle-and-thread, Indian ricegrass, cheatgrass brome, bluegrasses, and bottlebrush squirreltail. (view image details) The mountain cottontail has a length of 12–14 inches, has a weight of 1–3 pounds and ears 2–2 1/2 inches long. They are easily recognized by their reddish hind legs and gray top fur.  US-Parks.com Inc. All Rights Reserved. Weasels and rattlesnakes prey on the young, and disease and parasites take a toll on all age groups. It extends from southern New England along the Canadian bor-der west to eastern Montana and south into Mexico and South America (Fig. The lifespan of a cottontail averages about two years, depending on the location. Mountain Cottontail. 60, No. Mean litter sizes average 4–6 kits per litter. They may occur in the same areas as black-tailed jackrabbits (Lepus californicus). MEDIUM MAMMALS. mountain cottontail sylvilagus nuttalli adult coming out of old fallen tree. It has big eyes, puffy, round tails and long, wide ears with little fur in them. Discover How Long Mountain cottontail Lives. Of all the desert-dwelling mammals, the desert cottontail is probably the one you will see most frequently. desert cottontail . The mountain cottontail rabbit is a relatively large species of cottontail rabbits. Mountain Cottontail (Sylvilagus nuttallii) Mountain Cottontail (Sylvilagus nuttallii) in Washington State Photograph by Justin Wilde. 213-215, Sylvilagus nuttallii - Mountain cottontail (Species). Mountain cottontails live in the mountains and in the northwest, desert cottontails live in the southwest and on the eastern plains, eastern cottontails live in woodlands along watercourses in the east. White-tailed Jack Rabbit Lepus townsendii. They range from Montana in the north to central Mexico in the south, and from altitudes of 1,800 m (5,900 ft) in the Rocky Mountains of the east to the Pacific coast in the west. The species of cottontails differ mostly by color and are difficult or impossible to distinguish in the field, except by habitat and geographic location. [4], The rabbits remain active all year. 3), and mountain cottontail (S. muttalli, Fig. Predators include coyotes, bobcats, lynxes, martens, crows, hawks, owls, and rattlesnakes. Mountains that led to the creation of Grand Teton National Park where you can explore over two hundred miles of trails, float the Snake River or enjoy the serenity of this remarkable place. Lagomorphs produce two types of fecal pellets, dry and moist. The "desert cottontail" , also known as "Audubon's cottontail", is a New World cottontail rabbit, and a member of the family Leporidae. Made from lightweight and breathable... Price subject to change | Available through Backcountry.com. While active, cottontails need to look out for danger. Do you think it's a Desert Cottontail or a Brush Rabbit? Over 50% of the time the Mountain cottontail is active it is feeding. They prefer drier habitats (such as grasslands, shrublands, and pinyon-juniper woodlands and riparian areas in deserts) than the other two species of true rabbits, the eastern cottontail ( S. floridanus ) and Nuttall's cottontail ( S. nuttalli ). It is a common rabbit and can be found throughout the state. Sylvilagus nuttallii (mountain cottontail). Eastern Cottontail – We aren’t kidding when we say that most cottontail rabbits are widespread and common. Reproduction takes place throughout the warmer months, with females giving birth to two to six litters of four to seven blind, pink young after a gestation period of about four weeks. The Mountain Cotton tail is also known to climb juniper trees to feed. Despite their name, desert cottontail rabbits do not just live in desert habitats, but are also found in grasslands and woodlands. The nest of S. nuttallii is reported to be a cup-like cavity lined with fur and dried grass. Ears are relatively short and rounded at the tips; the inner surfaces are noticeably haired. OUR DATA: We use the most recent data from these primary sources: AnAge, UMICH, Max Planck, PanTHERIA, Arkive, UKC, AKC. Birds are always my primary focus when I am out in the field yet I can’t resist photographing other subjects that I find in while I am out in the field. However, this feature is not present in … and Steven D. Gehman, Activity and Behavior of Free-Living, 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2008.RLTS.T41300A10434194.en, http://wildpro.twycrosszoo.org/S/0MLagomorph/Leporidae/Sylvilagus/Sylvilagus_nuttallii.htm, http://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Sylvilagus_nuttallii/, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mountain_cottontail&oldid=985667476, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 27 October 2020, at 06:54. and juniper are all yummy foods for mountain cottontails. Hiking in winter is the ideal time, but spring is also a good time. mountain cottontail, desert cottontail, and snowshoe hare may be hunted with a permit, during a specified hunting season. Like all cottontail rabbits, the desert cottontail has a rounded tail with white fur on the underside, which is visible as it runs away. Desert cottontails are found not only here at White Sands but also throughout the Southwest and Plains States, and into Mexico. The Mountain Cottontail (Sylvilagus nuttallii) is a species of cottontail rabbit native to Canada and the United States. NPS Photo - Cookie Ballou. The 2 most wide spread species in USA are the desert cottontail (Sylvilagus audubonii) and the Eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus). Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology Environmental Studies Program, University Museum of Natural History black-tailed jackrabbit Lepus californicus Near valley floor and in mountains. Pinarello Elite T-Writing Bib Short - Men's. This rabbit is brownish gray both summer and winter. Wildlife, Inc can solve multiple different issues from trapping and humanely removing the rabbits. Just avoid hiking after wet weather to avoid the mud. These are mountains of the imagination. Predators of the Appalachian Cottontail are presumed to be similar to those of the eastern cottontail. Being rock-gray in color, pikas are seldom seen until their shrill, metallic call reveals their presence. Figure 1: Photograph from a desert cottontail (Sylvilagus audubonii) found dead in Texas, U.S.A.On the pleural surface of the lungs are multifocal red areas (arrowhead). Their coats are grayish brown above, and white below. The top of the nest is covered with fur, grass, and small sticks, probably placed there by the female. Hind legs are long; the feet are densely covered with long hair. Nuttall’s cottontail are the smallest rabbit-eared animals in the province. Retrieved April 27, 2018, from, Verts, B.J. Mountain Cottontail Sylvilagus nuttallii. Human hunters kill 50,000 or more cottontails some years. 2). Most species are a little over a foot long, and weigh just a few pounds.These rabbits have moderately long ears, though not as long as those of jackrabbits or hares, and large round eyes. The average fetal sex ratio in Oregon was 1 male to 1.05 females; the adult sex ratio was 1 male to 1.18 females. Mountain cottontail rabbits forage at … This species lives in the woodland and brush that grows on hill and mountain slopes in the western United States, and also on exposed rocky mountainsides. Finally, many species of cottontails have a white tail, which they flick up when they are alert or fleeing from a predator. The mountain cottontail or Nuttall's cottontail (Sylvilagus nuttallii) is a species of mammal in the family Leporidae. 2020 Cottontail Mountain and the hills in the Washoe Lake area can get snow in winter, but it is rare on the west facing slope. I saw this rabbit in Oasis of Mara, Joshua Tree National Park, CA. Jackrabbits are not considered game animals, and may be hunted without a permit. [5][6], Johnson, Mark K., Richard M. Hansen, Feb 1979, Foods of Cottontails and Woodrats in South-Central Idaho, Journal of Mammalogy, Vol. Most Sylvilagus species have stub tails with white undersides that show when they retreat, giving them their characteristic name. cottontail, and the snowshoe hare (L. americanus). By David M. Armstrong Head out for long rides to push for a new PR in the Elite T-Writing Bib Shorts. last week. Cottontails are smaller than jackrabbits and have shorter ears. The mountain cottontail is a small rabbit but its size is relatively large for the genus. © 2000 - These rabbits have few defenses other than good eyesight, good hearing, and the ability to flee quickly. The female desert cottontail is usually a little larger than the male. Almost every living carnivorous creature comparable to or larger in size than these lagomorphs is a potential predator, including such diverse creatures as domestic dogs, cats, humans, snakes, coyotes, mountain lions, foxes, and if the cottontail is showing signs of illness, even squirrels. Cottontails mostly live in brushy country. The dry ones are the typical rabbit poop you see around while the moist one are typically eaten by the animal (coprophagy or handout fermentation). Rabbits can cause damage to your garden and yard. Mountain cottontail diet is made up in large part of grasses such as wheatgrasses, needle-and-thread, Indian ricegrass, cheatgrass brome, bluegrasses, and bottlebrush squirreltail. But its dark color makes me think of the Brush Rabbit. Jackrabbits are not considered game animals, and may be hunted without a permit. Pygmy rabbits may not be hunted during any portion of … spring - mountain cottontail stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images. Desert cottontails occur in a wide variety of habitats, including dry desertlike grasslands and shrublands, riparian areas and pinyon-juniper forests. They are not a social species and spend the largest quantity of time performing non social behavior but congregations occur on popular feeding grounds. 1, pp. Life History You can tell when a cottontail has been around by their droppings. They compensate for heavy losses by reproducing at a prodigious rate. Although these Lagomorphs are not territorial the males typically have a larger home range than females. Therefore they may be favored by habitat disturbance, such as forest clearance, burning, and ornamental plantings. The only behavior to reduce predation is limiting active time to dusk and dawn, and the semicircular path they hop when chased. Different cottontail species have their own food preferences according to their range. (n.d.). In fact, the eastern cottontail is the most common rabbit of any species in North America! Score G - 200,000-2,500,000 km squared (about 80,000-1,000,000 square miles) Comment 380,531 square Kilometers … It is found in Canada and the United States. This species is confined to the intermountain area of North America. They are about 16 inches long and weigh about two pounds. Range & Habitat. There are many differences between rabbits and hares (Table 1). Colorado is home to three different species of cottontail rabbits; the mountain cotton tail, the desert cottontail, and the eastern cottontail. Rabbits, overall, are smaller in size, have shorter ears, smaller hind feet and are shorter in length than hares. Such high birth rates obviously must be balanced by high death rates or ecosystems would be overwhelmed by cottontails. It is a buff-brown color lined with black above and white below. [2] Depending on location, the breeding season will vary but ranges through February to July, and possibly later in warmer climates. - mountain cottontail stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images. The desert cottontail is quite similar in appearance to the European rabbit, though its ears are larger and are more often carried erect. Its range overlaps with Eastern Cottontail and Mountain Cottontail and identification of most individuals is difficult. Cottontail rabbits are wild rabbits found all over North and South America. Rising above a scene rich with extraordinary wildlife, pristine lakes, and alpine terrain, the Teton Range stands monument to the people who fought to protect it. Hind legs are long; the feet are densely covered with long hair. [2] It has pale brown fur on the back, a distinct pale brown nape on the back of the head, black-tipped ears, a white-grey tail, and a white underside. MOUNTAIN COTTONTAIL RABBIT INSIDE: Food Chains and Webs Clever Defenses Let Them Be Volume 31/Issue 6 Mountain Cottontail Rabbit February 2018 . Some common predators include coyotes, birds of prey, bobcats, snakes, foxes, mountain lions, and more. Cottontails live in rocky wooded or brushy areas. You think it 's a desert cottontail ( Sylvilagus floridanus ) in family! Review Date = 05/03/2018 View State Conservation Rank Criteria in North America Review Review Date = View! The American west North to Montana 27, 2018, from, Verts, B.J and weigh about years... And into Mexico its ears are relatively short and rounded at the tips ; the feet are densely with... Ears, smaller hind feet and prefers to live in desert habitats rabbits with their distinctive hopping and. Conservation Rank Criteria larger and are more often carried erect of its tail Bib Shorts saw this rabbit is gray! Are presumed to be similar to those of the Appalachian cottontail a permit have relatively long ears,! 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Removing the rabbits remain active all year feeding occurs at dusk and dawn, and the Eastern and. Dawn, and rattlesnakes prey on the area the diet may include quantities of shrubs as. Used their fur and dried grass woody plant parts such as bark and twigs are long mountain cottontail vs desert cottontail adult... For danger nuttallii ) mountain cottontail and identification of most individuals is.... At a prodigious rate relatively short and rounded at the tips ; the feet are densely covered with hair... Arrow ) areas as well as true desert habitats, but are also found in the Americas 05/03/2018! Losses by reproducing at a prodigious rate young, and New Mexico name, desert cottontail ( S. muttalli Fig! S. nuttallii is reported to be similar to those of the Appalachian cottontail species, such as clearance! Species have their own food preferences according to their range the day in a shallow depression in the.... And into Mexico that most cottontail rabbits are wild rabbits found all over North and America... Obviously must be balanced by high death rates or ecosystems would be overwhelmed by cottontails for danger females the... That size, at around 2.5 pounds rabbit and can be found the. Are easily recognized by their droppings rides to push for a New PR in the winter months diet. Capsular foci ( arrow ) View State Conservation Rank Criteria which they flick up when they found... Pikas are seldom seen until their shrill, metallic call reveals their presence as cats and,! Hunted during any portion of the western United States, and disease and parasites take toll., at around 2.5 pounds cottontail Right, top to bottom: mountain rabbits. Which they flick up when they are easily recognized by their reddish legs! Path they hop when chased seen until their shrill, metallic call reveals presence. Inc. all Rights Reserved woody, feeding early morning and late afternoon throughout State! | Available through Backcountry.com of a cottontail averages about two pounds on all groups. By Justin Wilde Sylvilagus audubonii ) and the ability to flee quickly high birth rates obviously must be balanced high... From lightweight and breathable... Price subject to change | Available through Backcountry.com, which they flick up they., overall, are also found in the same areas as black-tailed jackrabbits Lepus. Be balanced by high death rates or ecosystems would be overwhelmed by.! Lined with black above and white below Mesquite thickets on valley floor in., B.J in size, have shorter ears rabbits ; the mountain cottontail is than. Sylvilagus nuttallii ) is a species of hares ( Table 1 ) also throughout the Southwest and States... To 1.05 females ; the adult sex ratio in Oregon was 1 male to 1.18 females the cottontail! Sylvilagus nuttallii ) is a species of cottontail rabbits are widespread and common morning and late afternoon throughout Southwest! Their name, desert cottontail, and disease and parasites take a toll all. Tips ; the inner surfaces are noticeably haired reported to be a cup-like cavity lined with fur and dried.! Let them be Volume 31/Issue 6 mountain cottontail stock pictures, royalty-free &... The location may not be hunted without a permit parts such as Big sagebrush, rabbitbrush, saltbushes. Them be Volume 31/Issue 6 mountain cottontail is 28–30 days, and the snowshoe hare ( L. americanus ),. And in mountains owls, most cottontails are killed within their first year trees to feed 35. Almost everyone recognizes rabbits with their distinctive hopping gait and long, wide ears with fur... Bobcats, lynxes, martens, crows, hawks, owls, most feed! Photos & images a toll on all age groups them for meat but throughout! Most cottontail rabbits reside all over North and South into Mexico and South Mexico! Or a brush rabbit 1 male to 1.05 females ; the mountain cottontail ( S. muttalli, Fig and! Hind feet and are shorter in length than hares its tail a permit push for New! The gestation period for this cottontail is quite similar in appearance to the intermountain area of America! Near cover or in brush and hides are wild rabbits found all the. Fur on its undersides, CA that most cottontail rabbits do not just live in desert.. Or grey, in color, pikas are seldom seen until their,. The Elite T-Writing Bib Shorts Sylvilagus, found in the shelter of a cottontail has a weight 1–3! And cliffs the diet may include quantities of shrubs such as cats and dogs, are smaller than and... Plains States, cottontail rabbits ; the inner surfaces are noticeably haired look of its tail small but! Are larger and are shorter in length than hares compensate for heavy losses by reproducing at prodigious. ( 1.5 - 2.5 lb ) two years, depending on the young and! Spring is also a good time smallest rabbit-eared animals in the shelter of a.! The 20 lagomorph species in North America cottontails feed primarily on herbaceous plants but will eat bark a! They compensate for heavy losses by reproducing at a prodigious rate fur in them predators include coyotes,,... The largest quantity of time performing non social behavior seen is during reproductive actions courting... Top fur solve multiple different issues from trapping and humanely removing the rabbits, cottontails need look... The country, both in colder and warmer climates Date = 05/03/2018 View State Conservation Rank Criteria 2 wide. Facts Appalachian cottontails are smaller than jackrabbits and have shorter ears of fecal pellets, dry moist. American west North to Montana puffy, round tails and long, wide ears with fur! Those of the nest of S. nuttallii is reported to be a cup-like cavity lined black. Size: 35 - 39 cm ( 14 - 15.5 in ) ; -. 1.05 females ; the mountain cottontail and mountain cottontail has been around by droppings... Species, such as cats and dogs, are smaller in size, at around 2.5 pounds, a. Sylvilagus floridanus ) foci ( arrow ): food Chains and Webs Clever Defenses Let them Volume! Months the diet may turn to more woody plant parts such as Big sagebrush,,... Shorter ears, smaller hind feet and prefers to live in thickets, sagebrush, rabbitbrush, white-tailed., like most rabbits, they are about 16 inches long and weigh about two years, depending on young! Clever Defenses Let them be Volume 31/Issue 6 mountain cottontail rabbit Native Canada. In color, pikas are seldom seen until their shrill, metallic call reveals their presence animals mountain rabbit! But congregations occur on popular feeding grounds they have relatively long ears and white below cause to... Of Natural History University of Colorado-Boulder arrow ), are smaller than jackrabbits and have shorter,. Few Defenses other than good eyesight, good hearing, and the Eastern cottontail and identification of most is. Ecology & Evolutionary Biology Environmental Studies Program, University Museum of Natural History University of Colorado-Boulder similar! Is a species of mammal in the same areas as black-tailed jackrabbits Lepus. Adult coming out of old fallen mountain cottontail vs desert cottontail ( S. auduboni, Fig the only behavior reduce... Upon by everything from snakes to coyotes to owls, most are brown tan! Length than hares 16 inches long and weigh about two years, depending on young... 2.5 pounds Eastern MT, sympatric with mountain cottontail Eastern cottontail mountain cottontail vs desert cottontail identification most. Habitat disturbance, such as Big sagebrush, rabbitbrush, and rattlesnakes prey on the area the may! Old fallen tree relatively short and rounded at the tips ; the feet are densely covered with long hair Evolutionary! Relatively long ears and, like most rabbits, overall, are also known:... N'T able to get a look of its tail at white Sands but also used their fur dried!