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Eastern Cottontail
Mammals crepuscular

Eastern Cottontail

Sylvilagus floridanus

The Eastern Cottontail is the quintessential backyard neighbor, famous for its twitching nose and signature fluffy white tail. Masterfully camouflaged and incredibly fast, this gentle herbivore brings a touch of wild meadow magic to even the most urban gardens.

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Quick Identification

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Size

Length: 14 to 19 inches (36 to 48 cm); Weight: 1.8 to 3.3 lbs (0.8 to 1.5 kg)

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Colors

Speckled brownish-gray upper body with a distinct rusty-orange patch on the nape; white underparts and a bright white underside of the tail.

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Key Features

  • Signature fluffy white 'cotton ball' tail
  • Rusty-red patch on the back of the neck
  • Large, dark eyes on the sides of the head for 360-degree vision
  • Ears measure 2-3 inches with dark fringe

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern crepuscular
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Peak hours 5:00 AM – 8:00 AM, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
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Season March-August
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Diet Strictly herbivorous; forages on green grasses, clover, and weeds in summer, switching to woody bark, twigs, and buds of shrubs and trees during the winter.
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Habitat Suburban gardens, forest edges, meadows, and brushy thickets where open foraging ground meets dense cover.

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Behavior

Eastern Cottontails are the ultimate escape artists of the backyard. They rely heavily on their 'freeze' response, sitting perfectly still in tall grass or near shrubs to blend into their surroundings when a predator is near. If discovered, they utilize a high-speed zig-zag running pattern to break the line of sight and confuse pursuers, reaching speeds of up to 18 miles per hour.

While they are largely solitary, you may observe social 'cavorting' during the breeding season, which involves males and females leaping over one another in a ritualistic dance. They do not dig their own burrows; instead, they rest in 'forms'—shallow depressions in the ground hidden by dense vegetation—or occasionally repurpose abandoned burrows from woodchucks or skunks.

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Camera Tips

To capture high-quality footage of an Eastern Cottontail, location is the most critical factor. These rabbits are 'edge' specialists, meaning they rarely venture far into the middle of a wide-open lawn. Place your camera along the transition zone where your mowed grass meets a flower bed, hedge, or woodpile. Position the camera low to the ground—ideally between 6 and 10 inches high—and angle it slightly downward to capture their grooming and foraging behaviors at eye level.

Because they are most active during the low-light hours of dawn and dusk, your camera's sensor sensitivity should be set to 'High.' Cottontails are quick, so a camera with a fast trigger speed (0.3 seconds or less) is ideal to prevent capturing just a disappearing tail. If your AI camera has a 'Video' or 'Burst' mode, use it; these animals have charming facial expressions and twitching noses that are best appreciated in motion rather than in a single still image.

While you don't need fancy lures, you can create a 'stage' for them by placing a small pile of fresh apple slices or high-quality clover in a clear spot about 5-8 feet from the camera lens. In the winter, when food is scarce, a small pile of fresh raspberry or apple tree trimmings can act as a natural magnet, encouraging them to stay within the frame for longer periods. Avoid placing the camera in high-traffic areas for pets, as the scent of a dog or cat will keep these shy mammals under cover.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Eastern Cottontail.

New England Cottontail

Nearly identical in appearance but slightly smaller with shorter ears and a black spot between the ears; typically restricted to thickets in the Northeast.

Marsh Rabbit

Smaller and darker with a dingy brown tail underside and shorter ears; much more comfortable swimming in wet environments.

Snowshoe Hare

Significantly larger hind feet and turns completely white in winter to blend in with snow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Eastern Cottontails are crepuscular, meaning they are most active during the twilight hours of dawn and dusk. This timing helps them avoid many predators that are strictly diurnal or nocturnal.
To attract them, provide 'soft edges' in your landscaping. Plant native grasses and clover, and consider leaving a brush pile in a quiet corner of your yard to give them a safe place to hide and rest.
Their diet changes with the seasons. In spring and summer, they eat grasses, clover, and garden greens. In winter, they rely on 'woody' food like the bark and buds of birch, oak, and fruit trees.
Yes, they are exceptionally well-adapted to suburban life. The combination of well-watered lawns and ornamental shrubs for cover makes suburban backyards an ideal habitat for them.
The easiest way is the tail. The Eastern Cottontail has a large, fluffy white underside to its tail, while the Marsh Rabbit has a much smaller, dingy brown tail. Marsh Rabbits also have shorter ears and are usually found near water.

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