Did you know that there are two species of cottontail rabbits in Massachusetts? The New England cottontail, and the Eastern cottontail. While there are very slight differences in appearance between the two species, it can be nearly impossible to tell them apart by just looking at them. The Eastern cottontail was introduced into the state before 1900 to bolster the rabbit population and is now the most common rabbit in Massachusetts.
Wild cottontails have a life expectancy of less than two years. Nearly half the young die within a month of birth, largely because cottontails are a popular menu item for foxes, weasels, raccoons, minks, snakes, crows, and several common species of hawks and owls.
These furry little cuties can be quite the menace to flower and vegetable gardens. For tips on what to do if your shrubs and veggies are being ravaged by bunnies, check out our Cottontail Situations & Solutions page, and enjoy these photo contest entries of cottontails (at least the pictures won’t nibble your carrots!).
© Susumu Kishihara, Photo Contest Entry 2013
© Frank Vitale, Photo Contest Entry 2012
© Julia Swerdlov, Photo Contest Entry 2014
© Priya Ramachanriya Surendranath, Photo Contest Entry 2014
© Jeremy Lane, Photo Contest Entry 2015
Don’t forget: the 2016 Photo Contest is now open. Enter your photos today!