Appalachian Cottontail (Hunted)
Sylvilagus obscurus
These rabbits occur in the forests of eastern and middle Tennessee mountains. Appalachian Cottontails are more forest dwelling than Eastern Cottontails.
Description: A medium-sized mammal with soft fur, large hind legs, long ears, and a fluffy white tail. Grayish brown to reddish upperparts contrast with generally whitish fur underneath. The tail is brown, but white underneath; when the rabbit runs, it lifts the tail to show this white, which is where it gets the common name.
Length: 15.2 - 17.0 inches
Tail: 1.5 - 3.0 inches
Ears: 2.3 inches
Weight: 1.8 - 2.4 pounds
Similar Species: Eastern Cottontail has more of an orangish nape and the iris is a lighter brown, but they are virtually impossible to tell apart in the field. Habitat and geographic location are the best way to identify an Appalachian Cottontail.
Habitat: Prefers more dense, forested environments than the Eastern Cottontail; also generally occurs in higher elevations. Vegetation in these areas includes rhododendron, mountain laurel, greenbrier, and cane.
Diet: Eats more forbs than grasses. Like the Eastern Cottontail, they eat a variety of woody plants during winter months. Fruits, buds, mushrooms, and seeds are also staples when available.
Breeding information: Breeding usually occurs in late winter, and lasts through September. Females can have up to 7 litters a year, but usually average 3-4. With pregnancy lasting from 26-28 days, this means does are often nursing and pregnant by late May. Litters average 4-8 young. Since sexual maturity occurs in 2 to 3 months, approximately 25% of young are born to juveniles.
Status in Tennessee: Appalachian Cottontails are not listed for protection, but they are uncommon across most of their range.
Fun Facts:
- Swamp Rabbits, like all cottontails, eat their own soft droppings during the daytime to absorb any unused nutrients.
Best places to see in Tennessee: Mountainous forests in the eastern part of the state.
For more information:
South Carolina DNR web site
Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries web site
Sources:
Schwartz, C.W. and E.R. Schwartz. 2001. The Wild Mammals of Missouri, 2nd Edition. University of Missouri Press and Missouri Department of Conservation, Columbia, MO.
