Week of August 25, 2024 – August 31, 2024
by Elizabeth Suzedell, Environmental Educator
Have you seen a cottontail rabbit lately? I feel like I have been seeing them everywhere this summer- in the garden, in peoples’ yards as I walk around town, and foraging along the edges of the fields here at Baltimore Woods. Several of our visitors have told me that they’ve seen more rabbits than previous years around their homes, too. Even though I couldn’t find a clear answer to why there is an abundance of rabbits right now, there are still a few possible explanations.
Firstly, cottontail rabbits are prolific breeders. They begin mating very early in the spring, and they may have 4 or more litters of 3 – 8 babies each by September. This makes it seem like their population should grow out of control fairly quickly. In reality, survival is difficult for a rabbit- usually, only about 25% of them make it past one year old. However, one of the factors affecting their mortality must not be as strong this year.
Cottontail rabbits are an important source of food for many animals, like hawks and owls, foxes, and even small mammals. In ecosystems, there are natural population fluctuations among predators and prey. For example, if there are less foxes one year, then less rabbits are eaten by them- meaning more rabbits!
There are some other, more unpredictable factors that could impact their population. Like many other animals, rabbits are very susceptible to parasites and diseases. Perhaps those have been less prevalent recently. This winter was also the warmest on record. Certainly, the lack of harsh and snowy conditions helped to keep more rabbits alive!
While rabbits may be considered a menace to those with gardens or nurseries, they are a special sight to many. Cottontail rabbits are one of the few mammals people get to see right in their backyard or local park. If you would like to see one, try going to a grassy area near some denser vegetation (where they find their food and shelter) during the hours near dawn and dusk (when they are most active). It’s a great year to look for cottontails!
What other animals have you been seeing around your home recently?