Brush Rabbit
Scientific Name: Sylvilagus bachmani
Alternate Name(s): western brush rabbit
Distribution: western North America from Oregon south to Baja California
Habitat: brushy areas
Life Span: unclear; have been reported to live for over 6 years
Size: length 28-38 centimeters
Weight: 500-900 grams
Coloring: reddish brown mottled with black; lighter in the winter; short dark ears
Eyes: round, dark-colored
Diet: grasses, berries
Predator(s): cougars, coyotes, weasels, raptors, snakes, foxes, bobcats
Behavior: nocturnal, nonmigratory
Reproduction: breeding season February to August; average 4 litters of 2-6 kits per year
Conservation Status: least concern (IUCN 3.1); population stable
Major Threat(s): hunting; habitat loss and degradation due to urbanization, agriculture, and wildfires; increased predation from domestic cats and dogs
Conservation Action(s): one subspecies, the Riparian brush rabbit (Sylvilagus bachmani riparius), is listed as endangered under the California Endangered Species Act
Interesting Facts:
Alternate Name(s): western brush rabbit
Distribution: western North America from Oregon south to Baja California
Habitat: brushy areas
Life Span: unclear; have been reported to live for over 6 years
Size: length 28-38 centimeters
Weight: 500-900 grams
Coloring: reddish brown mottled with black; lighter in the winter; short dark ears
Eyes: round, dark-colored
Diet: grasses, berries
Predator(s): cougars, coyotes, weasels, raptors, snakes, foxes, bobcats
Behavior: nocturnal, nonmigratory
Reproduction: breeding season February to August; average 4 litters of 2-6 kits per year
Conservation Status: least concern (IUCN 3.1); population stable
Major Threat(s): hunting; habitat loss and degradation due to urbanization, agriculture, and wildfires; increased predation from domestic cats and dogs
Conservation Action(s): one subspecies, the Riparian brush rabbit (Sylvilagus bachmani riparius), is listed as endangered under the California Endangered Species Act
Interesting Facts:
- The brush rabbit is a species of cottontail. However, the underside of its tail is gray instead of white, unlike most cottontails, which might be why "cottontail" is not in its common name.
- When frightened, the brush rabbit will thump a hind leg on the ground and squeal.
- The brush rabbit can climb trees.