Texas is home to a surprising variety of wild rabbits, each adapted to the state’s diverse landscapes.
From the eastern forests to the western deserts, you’ll find several species hopping through the Lone Star State.
Texas has five species of lagomorphs (the scientific classification for rabbits and hares), with the eastern cottontail, desert cottontail, swamp rabbit, and black-tailed jackrabbit being the most common throughout different regions.
Cottontails dominate the rabbit population in Texas, with their distinctive white fluffy tails that flash as they zigzag away from predators.
These medium-sized rabbits prefer brushy habitats where they can find shelter while still having access to the grasses and plants they feed on.
Many Texans spot these furry creatures at dawn or dusk when they’re most active, munching on vegetation in backyards and natural areas alike.
Each rabbit species has adapted to specific Texas environments, developing unique characteristics that help them thrive.
The swamp rabbit favors the eastern side of Texas with its wetlands, while the desert cottontail has adapted to the drier western regions.
Understanding the differences between these rabbit species helps wildlife enthusiasts better appreciate these common but fascinating Texas mammals.
Eastern Cottontail (Sylvilagus Floridanus)
The Eastern cottontail is the most common rabbit species found in Texas.
This medium-sized rabbit has a distinctive fluffy white tail that resembles a cotton ball, which is where it gets its name.
Eastern cottontails have grayish-brown fur with a rusty brown patch on the nape of the neck.
Their underside is typically white. Adult cottontails usually weigh between 2-4 pounds.
These rabbits have an extensive range throughout Texas and can be found in many habitats.
They prefer shrubby margins of pastures, brush-dotted savannahs, and creekside thickets.
Habitat & Range:
- Edges of open fields
- Brushy fence rows
- Woodland edges
- Suburban gardens and yards
- Abandoned farmland
Eastern cottontails are prolific breeders. In southern Texas, they can breed year-round, though breeding frequency changes throughout the seasons.
A female can produce several litters per year, with 3-5 young per litter.
Their diet consists mainly of grasses and herbs during summer months.
In winter, they switch to woody plants, buds, and bark. These adaptable eaters help them survive in various environments.
Unlike some rabbit species, Eastern cottontails don’t dig their own burrows.
Instead, they create shallow depressions called “forms” in grassy areas for resting. They may also use abandoned burrows from other animals.
The Eastern cottontail’s range extends from the Great Plains throughout the eastern United States and into southern Canada and eastern Mexico.
Swamp Rabbit (Sylvilagus Aquaticus)
The swamp rabbit is the largest member of the cottontail genus found in Texas. With its distinctive round, small ears and substantial size, this rabbit stands out among its cottontail relatives.
These rabbits have adapted perfectly to wet environments. The swamp rabbit prefers to live in marshy areas, swamps, and wetlands throughout the southern United States, including eastern Texas.
Unlike other cottontails, these rabbits are strong swimmers. They often escape predators by diving into water and swimming to safety, sometimes even hiding underwater with only their nose exposed for breathing!
Physical Characteristics:
- Larger than other cottontails
- Smaller, rounder ears
- Rusty-brown fur with blackish dorsal area
- White underside of tail (like other cottontails)
- Robust hind legs for swimming and jumping
In Texas, the breeding season for swamp rabbits can occur year-round, unlike in other states where it typically runs from February through August. A female can produce multiple litters each year.
Diet-wise, these rabbits consume various plants, including aquatic vegetation that other rabbit species might not eat. They also practice coprophagy (re-ingesting certain fecal pellets) to extract additional nutrients.
The swamp hare, as it’s sometimes called, faces habitat loss challenges as wetlands are drained or developed. Conservation efforts for this species focus on protecting the swampy habitats they call home.
Desert Cottontail (Sylvilagus Audubonii)
The Desert Cottontail is a common wild rabbit found throughout Texas. Also known as Audubon’s cottontail, it belongs to the family Leporidae and is well-adapted to the state’s diverse habitats.
These rabbits have distinctive features including grayish-brown fur, a white fluffy tail, and long ears. Their compact bodies help them navigate through brush and grasslands with ease.
Desert Cottontails prefer living in various environments across Texas. They thrive in grasslands, shrubby areas, and even desert regions. You’ll often spot them in the shrubby margins of pastures and brush-dotted savannahs.
Interestingly, in plains regions, these rabbits are frequently associated with prairie dog towns. This connection is so strong that locals sometimes call them “prairie-dog rabbits.”
Unlike some rabbit species, Desert Cottontails use burrows for protection. They don’t typically dig their own homes but instead utilize abandoned burrows of other animals or find natural shelters among rocks and vegetation.
Their diet consists mainly of grasses, herbs, and other vegetation. During drier seasons, they adapt by consuming more woody plants and cacti for both nutrition and hydration.
Desert Cottontails are abundant throughout Texas, making them one of the most frequently encountered wild rabbits in the state. They’re most active during dawn and dusk hours, helping them avoid predators and extreme temperatures.
Black-Tailed Jackrabbit (Lepus Californicus)
The Black-tailed Jackrabbit is a common hare found throughout Texas and the western United States. Despite its name, this animal is not actually a rabbit but a hare – a distinction important to wildlife biologists.
These creatures are easily identified by their large size, measuring 18 to 25 inches in length, and distinctive black stripe running along the top of their tail. Their buff-colored fur is peppered with black above, with white underbellies creating natural camouflage in their desert habitats.
One of the most striking features of Lepus californicus is their extremely long ears, which can reach up to 7 inches. These oversized ears serve an important purpose – they help the jackrabbit regulate body temperature in hot desert environments.
Female jackrabbits are typically larger than males, an unusual trait among mammals. They can produce multiple litters per year, adapting their reproductive rate based on environmental conditions.
The Texas black-tailed jackrabbit is a specific subspecies native to Texas and surrounding regions. These jackrabbits prefer open habitats including:
- Desert scrublands
- Prairies
- Agricultural fields
- Open woodlands
Unlike true rabbits, jackrabbits don’t dig burrows. Instead, they create shallow depressions in the ground called “forms” where they rest during the day, becoming most active at dawn and dusk.
