| Latin Name |
Sylvilagus nuttallii |
| Conservation Status |
Least Concern |
| Location
| North America |
| Colour |
Grey/Brown |
| Length |
35 - 39 cms (13.8 - 15.4 inches) |
| Tail |
- |
| Weight |
0.7 - 1.2 Kgs (1.5 - 2.6 lbs) |
| Life Expectancy |
- |
Main Characteristics
Mountain Cottontails are medium sized rabbits. They are between 35 and 39 cms (13.8 - 15.4 inches) in length and they weigh between 0.7 and 1.2 kgs (1.5 - 2.6 lbs).
They are coloured greyish/brown with a pale coloured underside and they have reddish/brown hairs on their hind legs. Their tail is dark in colour on the top and pale coloured underneath. Their ears are short and rounded and they have black tips.
Habitat
Mountain Cottontails are found in Canada and western USA. They usually inhabit wooded or brushy areas with plenty of vegetation.
Diet
Mountain Cottontails mainly feed on grasses, but they will also eat shrubs and fruit.
Breeding
Mountain Cottontails breed between March and July. They produce 4 - 5 litters consisting of 4 - 8 young each year. After a gestation period of 28 - 30 days the young are born in a nest. They are weaned when they reach 1 month old and they reach sexual maturity at 3 months old.
Predators
Predators of the Mountain Cottontail include snakes, birds of prey, owls, coyotes, bobcats and martens.
Subspecies
Subspecies of the Mountain Cottontail include:
Sylvilagus nuttsallii nuttallii
Sylvilagus nuttsallii pinetis
Sylvilagus nuttsallii grangeri
Interesting Facts
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