New England Cottontail     Order Lagomorpha     Family Leporidae      Sylvilagus transitionalis Written by Carrie-Ann Egan

The New England Cottontail Rabbit is found in the Eastern United States, mostly scattered from Main to Alabama.

The female New England Cottontail is generally larger than the male. The length of this species ranges from about 405-411 mm, while the weight ranges from 755-1040g. The dental formula is 2/1, 0/0, 3/2, 3/3, for a total of 28. The fur is generally a light color with a great deal of black mixed in. There is often a black spot found between the ears. The ears are relatively short and the edges are lined with black.

Food Habits

The North American Cottontail is a herbivore, feeding mainly on plants, seeds, and fruits. Grasses and clover are a favorite of this species. Food is often re-eaten in a process where the pellets defecated are reingested to obtain the nutrients that were not absorbed during the first digestion.

Reproduction

The gestation period of this species is thought to be approximately 28 days. The young are born in shallow depressions, or nests. The average size is 5. Lactation occurs for about two weeks, and the female can get pregnant again soon after that. Reproductive maturity in females varies among individuals with some females mating the summer after birth and others following spring. Males generally do not reproduce in the spring the year after they are born. In a given year, most adults will produce about 3 litters.

Behavior

The most active time of the day for cottontails is just after sunset. When held, this species is very loud and puts up a great struggle unlike other Sylvilagus species. This species is is also relatively solitary with mother and young traveling together, but going their separate ways when the young are weaned.

Habitat

Open areas are favored by the New England Cottontail. Within the open areas, it can be found in thickets and bushes.

Economic Impacts

This is a favored game species, like the Eastern Cottontail is. The meat is well-prized, and a common dish is rabbit stew. The coat is often used in trimming articles of clothing.

Interesting Facts

The most interesting thing about this species is the dispute over the possibility that it should be split into two sister species; S. transitionalis and S. obscurus. The research to date is confusing and unconclusive. It seems important to note, however, that there is a difference in diploid number of the two proposed species.

Godin, Alfred J. 1977.

Wild Mammals of New England. ISBN 0-8018-1964-4.

Kurta, Allen. 1995.

Mammals of the Great Lakes Region. ISBN 0-472-06497-5.

Whitaker, John O. Jr. Hamilton, W. 1998.

Mammals of the Eastern United States. ISBN 0-8014-3475-0