Lagomorpha
(Class)
Hares, Pikas, & Rabbits
Leporidae
(Order)
Rabbits and Hares
Eastern Cottontail
Sylvilagus floridanus
The Eastern Cottontail is the most widespread and abundant rabbit species in North America. They have long brown to gray fur with black speckles sprinkled in along their backs. They have white fur on their bellies and a rust-colored patch on the back of their necks.
They have white circles around their eyes, and sometimes a white spot on their foreheads. Eastern cottontails inhabit open fields, meadows, and brushy areas where they can find shelter or food,
Appalachian Cottontail
Sylvilagus obscurus
The Appalachian cottontail is slightly smaller than the eastern cottontail, often exhibiting a distinguishable black spot between their ears. These cottontails inhabit higher elevation forests with an abundance of plants.
They’re typically active around dusk and dawn, feeding on various twigs, grasses, and berries. This species is near threatened due to habitat fragmentation and destruction from urban development which exposes the cottontail to increased predation.
Snowshoe Hare
Lepus americanus
The snowshoe hare is the largest of native Lagomorph's. In the summers they have rusty brown fur and white bellies, while in the winter they are fully snow white for camouflage. They have distinguishable black tufts on the edges of their ears, which are shorter than most hares.
They get their name for their large hind feet padded with fur, allowing them to bound across snow without sinking and stay warm. They are primarily active at night and do not hibernate.
They are particularly known to be active in areas like the Monongahela National Forest, and our very own Tucker County.
