Desert Cottontail Characteristics

Sylvilagus audubonii Appearance: Beige, brown, gray fur; medium-

length ears; distinct round white fluffy tail
Size: About 15” long; female slightly larger than
The Desert Cottontail rabbit is native and
male
common throughout the southern two-
Location: Fields with lots of brush; forested areas
thirds of California. The medium-sized
vegetarian rabbit eats twigs, leaves and Season: Year-round
bark, and is well-adapted to the dry
California heat. They avoid the extreme o Native
heat by staying under vegetation during
the day and being active at dawn and
dusk. Cottontails mate throughout the
spring and summer and have up to six litters a year. They also are quick runners and adept at
swimming so as to escape their myriad of predators, which include eagles, hawks, owls, fox,
bobcats and snakes.

Sources
Public Broadcasting System
The Mammals of Texas