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Home , Desert cottontail, Mountain cottontail

University of Nebraska - Lincoln DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln The aH ndbook: Prevention and Control of Wildlife Wildlife Damage Management, Internet Center for Damage

1-1-1994 COTTONTAIL Scott R. Craven Extension Wildlife Specialist, Department of Wildlife Ecology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53706

Craven, Scott R., "COTTONTAIL RABBITS" (1994). The Handbook: Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage. Paper 53. http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/icwdmhandbook/53

This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Wildlife Damage Management, Internet Center for at DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. It has been accepted for inclusion in The aH ndbook: Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. Scott R. Craven Extension Wildlife Specialist Department of Wildlife Ecology COTTONTAIL RABBITS University of Wisconsin, Madison Madison, Wisconsin 53706

Fig. 1. Eastern cottontail , Sylvilagus floridanus

Damage Prevention and Toxicants Introduction Control Methods* None are registered. Rabbits mean different things to differ- Exclusion Trapping ent people. For hunters, the is an abundant, sporting, and Low fences are very effective around Commercial live traps or homemade tasty . However, veg- gardens or shrubs. box traps are effective, particularly etable and flower gardeners, farmers, during winter in northern states. Hardware cloth cylinders will protect and homeowners who are suffering fruit trees and ornamental plants. Shooting damage may have very little to say in favor of cottontails. They can do con- Sport hunting and/or routine shooting Habitat Modification siderable damage to flowers, veg- of problem individuals are very etables, trees, and shrubs any time of Removal of brush piles, debris, effective methods. dumps, and other cover makes an the year and in places ranging from area less suitable for rabbits. Other Methods suburban yards to rural fields and tree plantations. Control is often necessary Many “gimmick” solutions are avail- Frightening to reduce damage, but complete exter- able but unreliable. For example, mination is not necessary, desirable, or Several methods are available but none sections of garden hose to simulate even possible. are reliable. , water-filled jugs to create Repellents frightening, distorted reflections. Rabbits usually can be accepted as interesting additions to the backyard A wide variety of commercial formula- or rural landscape if control techniques tions is available; most are taste are applied correctly. Under some repellents based on the fungicide unusual circumstances, control of thiram. Home-remedy types may *Most methods apply to all rabbit and damage may be difficult. provide some relief. species.

PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF WILDLIFE DAMAGE — 1994 Cooperative Extension Division Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources University of Nebraska - Lincoln Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Animal Damage Control D-75 Agricultural Council Wildlife Committee Damage control methods include color. They have large ears, though removal by live trapping or hunting, smaller than those of jackrabbits, and exclusion, and chemical repellents. In the hind feet are much larger than the general, no toxicants or fumigants are forefeet. The tail is short and white on registered for rabbit control; however, the undersurface, and its similarity to a state regulations may vary. Frighten- cotton ball resulted in the rabbit’s com- ing devices may provide a sense of mon name. security for the property owner, but they rarely diminish rabbit damage. Range Identification The eastern cottontail’s range includes the entire United States east of the There are 13 species of cottontail rab- and introductions bits (genus Sylvilagus), nine of which further west. It extends from southern are found in various sections of North New England along the Canadian bor- Fig. 2. Range of the eastern cottontail in North America north of . All nine are der west to eastern and south America. similar in general appearance and into Mexico and South America (Fig. behavior, but differ in size, range, and 2). The most common species of the habitat. Such differences result in a include the wide variation of damage problems, or desert cottontail (S. auduboni, Fig. 3), lack of problems. The (S. and mountain cottontail (S. muttalli, idahoensis), found in the Pacific North- Fig. 4). Refer to a field guide or sug- west, weighs only 1 pound (0.4 kg), gested readings if other species of the while the swamp rabbit (S. aquaticus), genus Sylvilagus are of interest. found in the southeastern states as far north as southern Illinois, may weigh Habitat up to 5 pounds (2.3 kg). Most species prefer open, brushy, or cultivated Cottontails do not distribute them- areas but some frequent marshes, selves evenly across the landscape. swamps, or deserts. The swamp rabbit They tend to concentrate in favorable and the marsh rabbit (S. palustris) are habitat such as brushy fence rows or strong swimmers. The eastern cotton- field edges, gullies filled with debris, Fig. 3. Range of the desert cottontail in North tail (S. floridanus) is the most abundant brush piles, or landscaped backyards America. and widespread species. For the pur- where food and cover are suitable. poses of the discussion here about They are rarely found in dense forests damage control and biology, the east- or open grasslands, but fallow crop ern cottontail (Fig. 1) will be consid- fields, such as those in the Conserva- ered representative of the genus. tion Reserve Program, may provide Cottontail rabbits must be distin- suitable habitat. guished from jackrabbits and other Cottontails generally spend their entire , which are generally larger in lives in an area of 10 acres or less. size and have longer ears. Jackrabbits Occasionally they may move a mile or are discussed in another chapter of this so from summer range to winter cover book. or to a new food supply. Lack of food The eastern cottontail rabbit is approx- or cover is usually the motivation for a imately 15 to 19 inches (37 to 48 cm) in rabbit to relocate. In suburban areas, length and weighs 2 to 4 pounds (0.9 rabbits are numerous and mobile to 1.8 kg). Males and females are basi- enough to fill any “empty” habitat cally the same size and color. Cotton- created when other rabbits are Fig. 4. Range of the mountain cottontail in North tails appear gray or brownish gray in removed. Population density varies America. the field. Closer examination reveals a with habitat quality, but one rabbit per grizzled blend of white, gray, brown, acre is a reasonable average. and black guard hairs over a soft gray- Contrary to popular belief, cottontails Underground dens are used primarily ish or brownish underfur, with a char- do not dig their own burrows, as the in extremely cold or wet weather and acteristic rusty brown spot on the nape does. Cottontails use to escape pursuit. Brush piles and of the neck. Rabbits molt twice each natural cavities or burrows excavated other areas of cover are often adequate year, but remain the same general by woodchucks or other . alternatives to burrows.

D-76 In spring and fall, rabbits use a grass Food Habits, Damage, members of the family are among or weed shelter called a “form.” The and Damage the shrubs damaged. form is a nestlike cavity on the surface Evergreens seem to be more suscep- of the ground, usually made in dense Identification tible to rabbit damage in some areas cover. It gives the rabbit some protec- The appetite of a rabbit can cause than in others. Young trees may be tion from weather, but is largely used problems every season of the year. clipped off, and older trees may be for concealment. In summer, lush Rabbits eat flowers and vegetables in deformed or killed. green growth provides both food and spring and summer. In fall and winter, shelter, so there is little need for a they damage and kill valuable woody The character of the bark on woody form. plants. plants also influences rabbit browsing. Most young trees have smooth, thin General Biology and Rabbits will devour a wide variety of bark with green food material just flowers. The one most commonly Reproduction beneath it. Such bark provides an easy- damaged is the tulip; they especially to-get food source for rabbits. The like the first shoots that appear in early thick, rough bark of older trees often Rabbits live only 12 to 15 months, and spring. discourages gnawing. Even on the probably only one rabbit in 100 lives to same plant, rabbits avoid the rough see its third fall, yet they make the The proverbial carrot certainly is not the only vegetable that cottontails eat. bark but girdle the young sprouts that most of the time available to them. have smooth bark. Cottontails can raise as many as 6 lit- Anyone who has had a row of , ters in a year. Typically, there are 2 to 3 beans, or beets pruned to ground level Rabbit damage can be identified by the litters per year in northern parts of the knows how rabbits like these plants. characteristic appearance of gnawing cottontail range and up to 5 to 6 in Only a few crops—corn, squash, on older woody growth and the clean- southern areas. In the north (Wiscon- cucumbers, tomatoes, potatoes, and cut, angled clipping of young stems. sin), first litters are born as early as late some peppers—seem to be immune Distinctive round droppings in the im- March or April. In the south (), from rabbit problems. mediate area are a good sign of their litters may be born year-round. Litter Equally annoying, and much more presence too. size also varies with latitude; rabbits serious, is the damage rabbits do to Rabbit damage rarely reaches econo- produce 5 to 6 young per litter in the woody plants by gnawing bark or clip- mic significance in commercial fields north, 2 to 3 in the south. The rabbit’s ping off branches, stems, and buds. In or plantations, but there are excep- gestation period is only 28 or 29 days, winter in northern states, when the tions. For example, marsh rabbits have and a female is usually bred again ground is covered with snow for long been implicated in sugarcane damage within a few hours of giving birth. periods, rabbits often severely damage in Florida. Growers should always be Rabbits give birth in a shallow nest expensive home landscape plants, alert to the potential problems caused depression in the ground. Young cot- orchards, forest plantations, and park by locally high rabbit populations. tontails are born nearly furless with trees and shrubs. Some young plants their eyes closed. Their eyes open in 7 are clipped off at snow height, and Legal Status to 8 days, and they leave the nest in 2 large trees and shrubs may be com- to 3 weeks. pletely girdled. When the latter hap- In most states, rabbits are classified as pens, only sprouting from beneath the Under good conditions, each pair of game animals and are protected as damage or a delicate bridge graft rabbits could produce approximately such at all times except during the around the damage will save the plant. 18 young during the breeding season. legal hunting season. Some state regu- Fortunately, this potential is rarely A rabbit’s tastes in food can vary con- lations may grant exceptions to prop- reached. Weather, disease, predators, siderably by region and season. In gen- erty owners, allowing them to trap or encounters with cars and hunters, and eral, cottontails seem to prefer plants shoot rabbits outside the normal hunt- other mortality factors combine to of the rose family. Apple trees, black ing season on their own property. keep a lid on the rabbit population. and red raspberries, and blackberries Because of the cottontail’s reproduc- are the most frequently damaged Damage Prevention and tive potential, no lethal control is effec- food-producing woody plants, tive for more than a limited period. although cherry, plum, and nut trees Control Methods Control measures are most effective are also damaged. Exclusion when used against the breeding popu- Among shade and ornamental trees, lation during the winter. Habitat the hardest hit are mountain ash, bass- One of the best ways to protect a back- modification and exclusion techniques wood, red maple, sugar maple, honey yard garden or berry patch is to put up provide long-term, nonlethal control. locust, ironwood, red and white oak, a fence. It does not have to be tall or and willow. Sumac, rose, Japanese bar- especially sturdy. A fence of 2-foot (60- berry, dogwood, and some woody cm) chicken wire with the bottom tight

D-77 rabbits are abundant and food is in plants to be protected. Taste repellents short supply, only hardware cloth will protect only the parts of the plant they guarantee protection. Small mesh contact; new growth that emerges after (1/4-inch [0.6-cm]) hardware cloth also application is not protected. Heavy protects against mouse damage. rains may necessitate reapplication of some repellents. A dome or cage of chicken wire secured over a small flower bed will Mothballs or dried blood meal some- allow vulnerable plants such as tulips times keeps rabbits from damaging to get a good start before they are left small flower beds or garden plots. 18-20" unprotected. Place these substances among the Habitat Modification plants. Blood meal does not weather well, however. One form of natural control is manipu- Taste repellents are usually more effec- lation of the rabbits’ habitat. Although tive than odor repellents. The degree frequently overlooked, removing of efficacy, however, is highly variable, 2-3" brush piles, weed patches, dumps, depending on the behavior and num- stone piles, and other debris where ber of rabbits, and alternative foods rabbits live and hide can be an excel- available. When rabbits are abundant Fig. 5. A cylinder of hardware cloth or other lent way to manage rabbits. It is espe- wire mesh can protect trees from rabbit damage. and hungry, use other control tech- cially effective in suburban areas niques along with chemical repellents. where fewer suitable habitats are likely to be available. Vegetation control Toxicants to the ground or buried a few inches is along ditch banks or fence rows will sufficient. Be sure the mesh is 1 inch eliminate rabbit habitat in agricultural There are no toxicants or fumigants (2.5 cm) or smaller so that young rab- settings but is likely to have detrimen- registered for use against rabbits. Poi- bits will not be able to go through it. A tal effects on other species such as soning rabbits is not recommended. more substantial fence of welded wire, pheasants. Always weigh the conse- Since state pesticide registrations vary, chain link, or hog wire will keep rab- quences before carrying out any form check with your local Cooperative bits, pets, and children out of the gar- of habitat management. Extension Service or USDA-APHIS- den and can be used to trellis vine ADC office for information on repel- Repellents crops. The lower 1 1/2 to 2 feet (45 to lents or other new products available 60 cm) should be covered with small Several chemical repellents discourage for use in your area. mesh wire. A fence may seem costly, rabbit browsing. Always follow Trapping but with proper care it will last many exactly the directions for application years and provide relief from the con- on the container. Remember that some Trapping is the best way to remove stant aggravation of rabbit damage. repellents are poisonous and require rabbits in cities, parks, and suburban Inexpensive chicken wire can be safe storage and use. For best results, areas. The first step is to get a well- replaced every few years. use repellents and other damage built and well-designed live trap. Cylinders of 1/4-inch (0.6-cm) wire control methods at the first sign of Several excellent styles of commercial hardware cloth will protect valuable damage. live traps are available from garden centers, hardware stores, and seed young orchard trees or landscape Most repellents can be applied, like catalogs. Most commercial traps are plants (Fig. 5). The cylinders should paint, with a brush or sprayer. Many wire and last indefinitely with proper extend higher than a rabbit’s reach commercially available repellents con- care. Average cost is about $20 to $30. while standing on the expected snow tain the fungicide thiram and can be Live traps can often be rented from depth, and stand 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 purchased in a ready-to-use form (see animal control offices or pest control cm) out from the tree trunk. Larger Supplies and Materials). mesh sizes, 1/2- to 3/4-inch (1.2- to companies. Some formerly recommended repel- 1.8-cm), can be used to reduce cost, An effective wooden box trap (Fig. 6) lents are no longer available. Most but be sure the cylinder stands far can be made. This type of trap has repellents are not designed to be used enough away from the tree trunk that proven itself in the field and has been on plants or plant parts destined for rabbits cannot eat through the holes. used in rabbit research by biologists. consumption. Most rabbit Commercial tree guards or tree wrap For best results, follow the plan to the repellents are contact or taste repel- are another alternative. Several types letter because each detail has been lents that render the treated plant parts of paper wrap are available, but they carefully worked out. are designed for protection from sun distasteful. Mothballs are an example or other damage. Check with your of an area or odor repellent that repels Place traps where you know rabbits local garden center for advice. When by creating a noxious odor around the feed or rest. Keep traps near cover so

D-78 Bore 5 Nail Top view — Top board removed 1/2" holes in end. Top Wire Screw eye 8"

2" Screw Tripping wire 6" 9-gauge Screw Door eyes Treadle Bait nail Hinge detail

Drill hole so screw turns and countersink head. Bevel edges

Front view 24" Handle optional Screws for removable top Side View — Side board removed Bevel Door 8 1/2" Door Tripping wire Bait nail 11 1/2" 9-gauge Door 1/8" Clearance Screw closed eye

Treadle 16"

Flush to floor Treadle

9" 1/2" Pivot screw eyes Loose connection Pivot screw eyes 8-gauge screw eye treadle wire

Fig. 6. Plans for the Tom Butzen wooden box trap for rabbits. that rabbits won’t have to cross large Apples, carrots, cabbage, and other Shooting open areas to get to them. In winter, fresh green vegetables are good baits Shooting is a quick, easy, and effective face traps away from prevailing winds in warmer weather or climates. These method of control, but make sure that to keep snow and dry leaves from soft baits become mushy and ineffec- local firearms laws allow it and that it plugging the entrance or interfering tive once frozen. A good summer bait is done safely. In some states, the with the door. Check traps daily to re- for garden traps is a cabbage leaf owner or occupant of a parcel of land plenish bait or remove the catch— rolled tightly and held together by a may hunt rabbits all year on that land, daily checks are essential for effective toothpick. For best results, use baits except for a short time before the fire- control and for humane treatment of that are similar to what the target rab- arm deer season. Consult your state the animals. Move traps if they fail to bits are feeding on. wildlife agency for regulations. You make a catch within a week. A commercial wire trap can be made must be persistent if shooting is the Finding bait is not a problem, even in more effective (especially in winter) by only technique you rely on. Removing winter, because cob corn (dry ear corn) covering it with canvas or some other rabbits in one year never guarantees or dried apples make very good bait. dark material. Be sure the cover does that the rabbit population will be low Impale the bait on the nail or simply not interfere with the trap’s mecha- the next year (this is also true for position it at the rear of the trap (com- nism. trapping). mercial traps may not have a nail). Release rabbits in rural areas several When using cob corn, use half a cob Other Methods miles from where they have been and push the nail into the pith of the trapped if local regulations allow relo- Encouraging the rabbit’s natural cob; this keeps the cob off the floor and cation. Do not release them where they enemies—or at least not interfering visible from the open door. Dried leafy may create a problem for someone with them—may aid in reducing alfalfa and clover are also good cold- else. rabbit damage. Hawks, owls, foxes, weather baits.

D-79 mink, , and snakes all help the ucts are readily available in garden For Additional farmer, gardener, homeowner, and centers and through mail order cata- Information forester control rabbits. These animals logues. Feeding rabbits during the should never be needlessly destroyed. winter in much the same way as Burt, W. H., and R. P. Grossenheider. 1976. A In fact, it is against the law to kill feeding wild birds might divert their field guide to the , 3d ed. hawks and owls; foxes, mink, and attention from trees and shrubs and Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston. 289 pp. weasels are protected during certain thus reduce damage in some areas. Chapman, J. A., J. G. Hockman, and W. R. seasons as valuable furbearers. Even There is always the risk that this tactic Edwards. 1982. Cottontails. Pages 83-123 in J. A. Chapman and G. A. Feldhamer, eds. the family can be a very effective can backfire by drawing in greater Wild mammals of North America: biology, predator on young nestling rabbits, numbers of rabbits or increasing the management and economics. The Johns but are likely to kill other wildlife survival of those present. Hopkins Univ. Press, Baltimore. as well. Chapman, J. A., J. G. Hockman, and Magaly M. Ojeda C. 1980. Sylvilagus floridanus. . Many people have a favorite rabbit Acknowledgments Sp. 136:1-8. remedy. A piece of rubber hose on the ground may look enough like a I thank R. A. McCabe for reviewing this Jackson, H. H. T. 1961. The mammals of manuscript and providing the trap design. Wisconsin. Univ. Wisconsin Press, Madison. to scare rabbits away. Another remedy 504 pp. calls for placing large, clear glass jars Figure 1 from Schwartz and Schwartz (1981). McDonald, D. 1984. Lagomorphs. Pages 714-721 of water in a garden. Supposedly, Figures 2 and 3 adapted from Burt and in D. McDonald, ed. The encyclopedia of rabbits are terrified by their distorted Grossenheider (1976) by Dave Thornhill, mammals. Facts on File Publications, New reflections. Most home remedies, University of Nebraska-Lincoln. York. unfortunately, are not very effective. Figures 4 and 5 courtesy of the Department of Inflatable owls and snakes, eyespot Agricultural Journalism, University of balloons, and other commercial prod- Wisconsin-Madison. Editors Scott E. Hygnstrom Robert M. Timm Gary E. Larson

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