Domestic European rabbits, which tunnel extensively, can cause trouble when the rabbits are released. Two of the native rabbit species in the area are the pygmy rabbit and the nuttall’s cottontail. It is found in sagebrush areas, weed and tall-grass patches, and orchards throughout eastern Washington. Once rabbits and hares are used to feeding in an area, all control tactics become less effective. The Eastern Cottontail was introduced as a game animal during the 1930’s. Tularemia is a disease caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis. Scientific name: Sylvilagus floridanus. A rabbit's appetite can get it into trouble with gardeners, landscapers, orchardists, and foresters throughout the year. Since then they have adapted to all types of habitats and you can see these bunnies in city parks, forests and your backyard. Unlike the hare their offspring is altricial, born in an undeveloped state and requiring care and feeding by the parents. It is any member of the mammalian order made up of rabbits, hares and pikas. The back of the neck is bright rust-colored. Because of its small size, it is easy prey for many predators, and requires plenty of protective areas in which to hide. Also known as the European rabbit or Belgian hare, this single species is the ancestor of all domestic rabbits (about 80 varieties!). The upperparts vary from reddish to grayish brown sprinkled with black; when fluffed, the fur of the rump is grayish. Eastern cottontail (rabbit) (Sylvilagus floridanus) The Eastern cottontail was introduced to several areas in Washington as a game animal beginning in the 1930s. For bait, use fresh vegetables in summer; apples, carrots, or bread in winter. Rabbits can be found throughout the state -- from the backyards of suburban neighborhoods to the shrub steppe of eastern Washington. The domestic rabbit is considerably larger than other Washington rabbits, measuring 20 to 30 inches in length. Francisella tularensis (Tularemia or Rabbit Fever) is a naturally occurring disease carried by wild rabbits and the insects which feed on them such as deerflies and ticks 1.People are at risk of catching this illness by way of skinning and/or eating contaminated rabbits or … The claws occasionally register, and on hard ground this may be the only sign of a passing rabbit or hare. Single- or double-door type wire live traps that are 9 inches high, 9 inches wide, and 26 inches long are effective at catching rabbits. If you cannot resolve a conflict by other means—such as removing the attractant, installing a barrier, applying a scare tactic—a final alternative is to trap the rabbit. Placed over the seedlings, they provide protection from animals as well as late frosts. Its appearance differs from that of a hare in that it has a brownish-gray coloring around the head and neck. 2). Mammals of the Pacific Northwest: From the Coast to the High Cascades. For safety considerations, shooting is generally limited to rural situations and is considered too hazardous in more populated areas, even if legal. The season for snowshoe hares and cottontail rabbits runs from September 1 through March 15, with a daily bag limit of five per species and a mixed bag … Populations of swamp rabbits and Appalachian cottontails are much smaller, and found regionally. The second time the rabbits thrived destroying crops, gardens and eventually swelling to one million rabbits on San Juan Island in the 70’s. However, a special trapping permit is required from the Department of Fish and Wildlife for the use of all other types of traps. You can read more about the San Juan Island bunnies here. Famous for their fecundity, they too have a 30-day gestational period, and have several litters containing four to eight young each year. This charismatic little rabbit measures just 12 inches from nose to tail and doesn’t weigh more than a pound at full maturity. Eastern cottontail rabbits reside throughout the eastern United States and parts of Canada and Mexico. The breeding season for rabbits begins in mid February and can continue through late summer. The lower 2 to 3 feet of an existing fence or gate can be covered with 1-inch wire mesh to exclude rabbits. The second time in the 1930’s when a breeding operation failed. At two weeks of age the young rabbits begin to eat vegetation; at four to five weeks old they are feeding alongside their mother. Electric netting is intended for temporary use at any one site, making it ideal for seasonal gardens. If fencing and other barriers are impractical or undesirable, or if damage is so slight that fencing is not cost-effective, scare devices can provide temporary control. The pygmy rabbit can be distinguished from other lepori… In Eastern Washington there are the Nuttall’s Cottontail, Pygmy Rabbit, Pika, Black-tailed Jackrabbit and White-tailed Jackrabbit. Eastern cottontail rabbit (Sylvilagus floridanus) The Northwest native cottontails may occasionally cause damage in Washington State home landscapes. Many repellents cannot be used on plants or plant parts to be eaten by humans. The state … 5). Maser, Chris. Lagomorphs inhabit every country in the world except for Antarctica and more than half of the worlds rabbit population live in North America. Twig clipping by rabbits and hares is sometimes confused with deer browsing. Heavily used rabbit trails look like 4-to 5-inch wide paths in grass, dirt, decaying vegetation, and snow. Vehicles also kill many rabbits (Fig. Rabbits and hares roll in dust baths to help rid themselves of external parasites. The pygmy rabbit (Sylvilagus idahoensis) is the smallest rabbit species in North America and unfortunately, it’s also endangered. The young are weaned w… The cottontail is one of the most common small mammals in Minnesota. Visual scare tactics include mylar tape and mylar party balloons located above areas of potential damage, and pinwheels and other devices located at ground level. A rabbit's feeding area can also be located by looking for grass, clover, plantain, and other weeds kept cropped to within an inch or two of the ground. Place some bait just outside the trap and spray the inside with apple juice to increase effectiveness. Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage. Their young, like the Pika, are altricial and require considerable attention for their first two weeks of life. Rabbits clip twigs off cleanly, as if with a knife. Protecting vulnerable plants from rabbit damage within a fence, and landscaping with rabbit resistant plants elsewhere makes an effective combination. Its underside fur is white. Place the trap near cover where rabbits feed or rest, or where they gain entry under a fence. There is a rusty patch on the tail. I guess my dog’s springtime eating habit is not one I can avoid and I should just enjoy watching the cute creatures out the window with my dog. There are no rabbit’s native to Western Washington. They are active year-round and do not hibernate. They typically inhabit forests as well as deserts and scrublands, and should not be domesticated in-house. Active year round, Snowshoe hares are the diet of choice for Canada Lynx and their populations are closely linked. Hence, it is often more effective to use the above recommendations for making the site less attractive to rabbits, than to constantly trap them. Eastern Cottontail Rabbit. Considered a high elevation species, they have been found at low elevations near sea level in the Columbia River Gorge, and in Snohomish and Skagit counties as low as 1150 feet. The resulting hybrid is small like the Brush Rabbit and has a white cottontail of the Eastern. Common name: Eastern Cottontail Rabbit. Rabbits and hares are more likely to go under a fence than over it. This rabbit is seen throughout the state, especially in semi-open areas that have thick, low cover such as brush piles and hedges. Western Washington lacked a native lagomorph (the rabbit, hare, and pika family) at low elevation before this. For best results, use control methods at the first sign of damage. Tularemia. They are on an endangered species list and face state protection. 1) was introduced to several areas in Washington as a game animal beginning in the 1930s. The oldest complete rabbit fossil, found in 2008 in India, dates back 53 million years to the Eocene Epoch. During the day, rabbits rest under overhanging limbs, brambles, brush piles, old farm implements, and junk. Use tight-fitting gates and keep them closed as much as possible. It was six times the size of the four-pound cottontails of today, had smaller eyes and ears, dug for its food and didn’t hop. Where deep snow is common, fences will need to be higher, or adjusted to exclude animals during winter. The animals typically become disoriented, which results in them getting hit by a car or eaten by a predator. In some cases, protecting individual plants may be more practical than excluding from an entire area. It averages 17 inches in length and is light brown in color; the white underside of its 2-inch tail is readily visible when the rabbit runs. After returning to their shelters, they pass soft pellets containing undigested vegetation, and then eat these at a more leisurely pace, later passing hard pellets. Two species of rabbits are native to Washington and two others have been introduced to the area. Cottontail rabbits play important roles in their ecosystems. Indeed, the most common way to find a rabbit's or hare's resting site is by accidentally scaring the animal from it. Before that if you wanted to see one, you’d have to travel to Eastern Washington. The first time, in the early 20th century to a rabbit reserve, most died off during a harsh winter. Next up is the critter we most see in the valley, the Eastern Cottontail. Trapping also may not be legal in some cities; check with local authorities. It appears sporadically around North America; there were isolated cases of RHDV2 in domestic rabbits in Pennsylvania and Ohio in 2018, and cases in domestic and wild rabbits in British Columbia and Washington State in 2018- 2020. When pursued by these predators, Cottontails run and jump in a zigzag pattern to break up their scent. The cottontail is a favorite food of many predators. Pygmy Rabbit (Brachylagus idahoensis) Snowshoe Hare (Lepus americanus) Black-tailed Jackrabbit (Lepus californicus) White-tailed Jackrabbit (Lepus townsendii) European Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) Eastern Cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus) Nuttall's Cottontail (Sylvilagus nuttallii) Return to the Mammals of Washington home page Because legal status, trapping restrictions, and other information about rabbits change, contact your local wildlife office for updates. The species has 91 members, with Washington State being home to eight. It is commonly seen along roads, brushy fencerows, and blackberry thickets in and around areas where it has been introduced. It finds this refuge in the form of the sagebrush plant or in the burrows that it makes in deep, soft soil. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. Wildlife biologist and professor at the University of Washington, Aaron Wirsing, is an expert on the growing rabbit population. They have large hind feet with furry soles which prevents them from sinking in the snow and protects them from the cold. I'm wondering where else in the state has good rabbit hunting. They pass the day under brush, branches or in a burrow. Kentucky has three species of rabbits, but only the eastern cottontail is found statewide. Land Mammals of Oregon. After a thirty-day gestational period Pika’s give birth to a litter of 2 to 5. The Nuttall's cottontail rabbit, Eastern cottontail rabbit, and snowshoe hare are classified as game animals. Wonderful fact-filled and enjoyable article! Once a rabbit gets into a fenced area, it may not be able to get out without being directed to a gate or other opening. Lethal control may become necessary when all efforts to dissuade problem rabbits fail. WASHINGTON - At least a few of the once nearly endangered New England cottontail rabbits have found a home at Steep Rock Association's Macricostas Preserve, tests show. Tularemia can be acquired through ingesting undercooked rabbit meat or handling a dead or sick animal. They are weaned by 3 to 4 weeks and reach adult size by three months. Like the hare, they are solitary, except to breed. An Eastern cottontail rabbit (Sylvilagus floridus) sitting under a privet hedge. An eastern cottontail rabbit in its element. Few game species can match the eastern cottontail for fine eating, but before you put that rabbit on the stove, take a minute to inspect it to make sure it’s healthy. A property owner or the owner's immediate family, employee, or tenant may kill or trap the above species on that property if they are damaging crops or domestic animals (RCW 77.36.030). Los Angeles: University of California Press, 1998. For about two weeks, the mother rabbit stays away from the nest so as not to show predators the location of the young, returning only at dusk and dawn to nurse and lick her young clean. The Snoqualmie Valley is home to four: The Snowshoe Hare, Pika, Eastern Cottontail and, to a lesser extent, the Domestic Rabbit. A hunting license and open season are required to hunt them. Anther option is to create a 1-foot wide wire apron on top of the ground on the animal side of the fence. They prefer to live in a habitat of brushy, forested strips with open areas nearby, swamp edges and weed patches in the lowlands. Snoqualmie, WA 98065. Thanks. Note: When preferred foods become scarce, there are few species that rabbits will not eat. At the two week mark, the babies begin to eat vegetation and when they are about a month old, they will feed along side their mothers. The number of rabbits in a given area will increase and decrease in a cycle connected with predator populations and food availability. 7). Rabbit tracks show four toes on each print, with the hind tracks being about two and a half times as long as the front. It averages 17 inches in length and is light brown in color; the white underside of its 2-inch tail is readily visible when the rabbit runs. Trapping is the last option because it presents many problems for both the animals and the trapper. In extreme cold or heat, they may seek greater protection by burrowing into snowdrifts or using another mammal's unoccupied burrow (Fig. Inspect these barriers regularly to keep the area inside the barriers clean of leaves, weeds, and other debris, which can hide damage caused by mice and voles. Most active at dusk and dawn; they often remain hidden during the day. For detailed additional information on trapping rabbits, see Trapping Wildlife. In such cases, no permit is necessary for the use of live (cage) traps. Most of the lagomorphs in Washington State are found in the Cascades and East, but two can be seen on the Western slopes of the Cascades. Larger hares (jackrabbits) ordinarily will not jump a 2-foot fence unless chased by dogs or otherwise frightened. These bunnies have been joined by … Rabbits, hares, voles, muskrats, nutrias, and beavers are some of the species that can be infected with the bacterial disease tularemia (see "Public Health Concerns" in Beavers). True to their reputation, cottontails have a high reproductive rate, with some females raising up to seven litters per year. Washington is also home to three species of hares: the snowshoe hare and two others, called “jackrabbits.”. Bury the bottom of the cylinders 3 inches below the soil line and brace them away from the plants so animals cannot press against the cylinder and nibble through the mesh. Nests and dens are located in or near brushy fencerows or field edges, brush piles, gullies containing shrubs, and landscaped areas with suitable cover. cottontail rabbits in Washington at AmericanListed.com – Classifieds across Washington. These nests are difficult to detect, even in grassy lawns, so the young are prone to injury from lawnmowers and other gardening accessories. Female domestic rabbits (and our rare Pygmy rabbits) excavate burrows for their shelter and den site. One-inch mesh chicken wire can be cut and formed into cylinders and placed around plants needing protection (Fig. Rabbits commonly feed and travel along human paths, rural roads, and roadsides. Lastly, we have the Domestic rabbit aka the European rabbit or Belgian hare. Even though these animals were introduced as a game animal, Wild rabbits can be infected with a bacterial disease called tularemia and for that reason the WA Department of Fish & Wildlife “does not recommend capturing the rabbits for human consumption. Another form of control is to remove brush piles, weed patches, rock piles, and other debris where rabbits live and hide. 6). All Lagomorphs are herbivores, they deal with their fibrous diets by a process known as hindgut fermentation where some of their food is digested immediately and some goes through a longer process to extract more nutrients. Domestic rabbits on the San Juan Islands of Washington tested positive in 2019 and 2010 after positive cases were discovered in British Columbia, Canada beginning in 2018. From spring to fall, rabbits and hares eat grass, clover, wild flowers, weeds, and farm and garden crops. Adult cottontails average 17 inches long and weigh from 2-4 pounds with females tending to be slightly heavier. Weighing in at two to three pounds, like most all lagomorphs, they are bountiful breeders and have two to three litters of up to seven young between April and August. During the summer months to prepare for winter, they will collect a pile of extra wildflowers and grasses and lay them out in the sun. In many cases, moving rabbits will not solve the original problem because others will replace them and cause similar conflicts. Be sure to secure the apron firmly with stakes (Fig. In some parts of Oregon, the Brush Rabbit and the introduced Eastern Cottontail have interbred. Fences provide the most long-term and effective way to protect plantings from rabbit damage. In that time the mother stays away from the nest, only returning at dusk and dawn to nurse her young to keep predators at bay. Pikas do not proliferate as quickly as hares or rabbits, breeding once or twice a year. The Domestic (European) rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) is another introduced species. Verts, B. J., and Leslie N. Carraway. Evidence of gnawing can be found on the stems of woody plants, blackberry canes and other brambles, and on fallen twigs and branches. In areas covered with snow, young plants may be clipped off at snow height, and the smooth, thin bark of trees and shrubs may be completely girdled. I know of a few spots around here in southeast Washington to score a cottontail once in a while. Brush Rabbits are found along the Pacific coast from Washington … (Available from: University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension, 202 Natural Resources Hall, Lincoln, NE 68583-0819; phone: 402-472-2188; also see Internet Sites below.). A rabbit or hare captured by a predator emits a loud, high-pitched scream. The eastern cottontail rabbits range from gray to reddish-brown, but their “cotton ball” tail makes them distinctive, hence the name. Range. The Nuttall's cottontail (rabbit) (Sylvilagus nuttallii, averages 14 inches in length, is gray or brownish-gray, and has a relatively short, inconspicuous white tail. The Eastern cottontail (rabbit) (Sylvilagus floridanus)(Fig. Rabbits differ from hares in that female rabbits give birth to blind, hairless young that require considerable attention for their first two weeks of life. Eastern cottontails were introduced to Washington State (native to the eastern half of the US) for sports hunting and are now fairly common in the area — but both rabbits are non-native. Rabbits' survival depends on their sitting still for long periods, a trait they've likely developed to avoid being seen by predators who watch for movement. However, urban and suburban rabbits are often unafraid of such devices and other rabbits quickly get used to them. KUOW - Seattle rabbits seem to be breeding like, well, rabbits. It is best to use a larger trap than used on rabbits. The population is at tolerable level these days but with rabbits who knows how long that will last. Seen most often in the San Juan Islands, they are spreading to other areas in Western Washington where they have been released. There are several species of cottontail rabbit, but the eastern cottontail is the most common. They can be found in the United States from the East Coast to the Great Plains. These are small areas of sand or dry soil, about a foot (30 cm) in diameter, that have been cleared of vegetation, possibly through the animals' scratching or through repeated use. (Information for this Species Page was derived in part from research gathered by Edward Lee for Biology 220W in Spring 2000 at Penn State New Kensington) The eastern cottontail rabbit is one of the most common mammals of both the natural and the human generated ecosystems of … If they remain in the new area, they may cause similar problems there, or transmit diseases to other animals in the area. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. The Snoqualmie Valley is home to four: The Snowshoe Hare, Pika, Eastern Cottontail and, to a lesser extent, the Domestic Rabbit. Although most of the lagomorph species in Washington are found in the Cascades and to the east, the most common seen in western Washington are Snowshoe Hares … Many tactics were used to control the swelling population but no one can point to the one thing that caused a big die off around 1979. Hygnstrom, Scott E., et al. Where soil conditions and food supplies permit, domestic rabbits live in groups in large, complex burrow systems called “warrens” (Fig. 3) is the smallest rabbit in North America, measuring only 11 inches in length. Adult rabbits are preyed on by large hawks and owls, domestic dogs, coyotes, foxes, and bobcats. Tough little animals, they can live up to seven years in alpine areas where mountain meadows meet rocky terrain. In all cases, follow the label directions for the repellent you are using. I did my fare share of hunting rabbits while growing up in the mid-west but haven't done much in a long, long time. Females of most rabbit species create a shallow, bowl like nest called a “form,” and line it with leaves, grass, and fur plucked from their bellies. The body is lighter color with a white underside on the tail. To capture hares (jackrabbits) in open terrain, use a double-door trap with weighted doors to prevent escape. Transporting animals without the proper permit is also unlawful in most cases. They prefer forests, thickets, swamps and mountainous areas as habitats. A walk or drive through the neighborhood can give you an idea of what plants are less palatable to these animals. The cottontail was introduced to Washington about a century ago to be hunted for food and sport. Newly planted vegetables can be protected using commercially sold cloches or 1-gallon plastic milk containers that have the bottom cut out. Before doing this, consider the potential impact on other desirable wildlife species. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife notes that domestic rabbits in the wild always have an upswing in population around Easter and remind citizens that: “Domestic animals should never be abandoned to fend for themselves. The cottontail is crepuscular and most active at dusk, dawn and at night. It is designed for ease of installation and frequent repositioning. Animals on the move are highly stressed because they are insecure until they know the safe places they can bolt to. The Pygmy rabbit (Sylvilagus idahoensis)(Fig. Research has shown that repellents with putrescent whole-egg solids can reduce browsing by rabbits. It has black, white, brown, or multicolored fur, and is most frequently seen in the San Juan Islands where it was first introduced in 1900, although it is spreading into other areas where it has been released. Cottontail rabbits are year-round residents in Pennsylvania. The eastern cottontail is a medium-sized rabbit with long ears, large hind legs, shorter front legs, a short fluffy tail, and soft fur. Rabbits may live two or more years in the wild, but when predators are numerous and weather conditions are extreme, they seldom live more than a year. Washington State is home to eight species of these animals. For rabbits, a 2-foot tall fence, constructed with 1-inch mesh chicken wire and supported by sturdy stakes or posts every 4 to 6 feet will exclude the animals from an enclosed area. Rabbits and hares re-ingest their droppings to further digest the material, a process called coprophagy. Humans can contract tularemia by ingesting undercooked rabbit meat or by handling a dead or sick rabbit.” Zoonotic diseases, gotta love them…. After they are dried, to prevent mold, the plants are stored until winter. When the numbers fluctuate on one animal, the other animal experiences the same fate. New England's only native rabbit, the New England cottontail, faced significant habitat loss over half a century. The egg-shaped little animal is active all year round feeding on dried vegetation they have stored away in haypiles. The cottontail bunny is a midsize rabbit and a herbivore, and female cottontails average three to four litters per year. The America Pika is a rodentlike animal about the size of a large hamster. 2). The following are suggestions for preventing conflicts. Famous for their reproductive abilities, rabbits have a 30-day gestation (pregnancy) period, and have several litters containing four to eight young each year. LivingSnoqualmie.com
To prevent this, place the bottom of the fence 6 inches underground, stake the bottom of the fence flush to the ground, or line the bottom of the fence with rock, bricks, fence posts, or similar items. The Snowshoe Hare spends most of its time up in the Cascades where you might see them on a summer hike or their distinctive large footed tracks in the winter. In Eastern Washington there are the Nuttall’s Cottontail, Pygmy Rabbit, Pika, Black-tailed Jackrabbit and White-tailed Jackrabbit. Hares are born fully furred with their eyes open, and can hop about within hours of their birth. Rabbit droppings are easy to identify in any season and are found in groups of five to ten scattered on the ground in feeding areas (Fig. Individual plants can also be protected with a variety of commercially available protectors, including nylon mesh and plastic tubes; aluminum foil has been double-wrapped around small trees with effective results. Plants may also be protected with commercially available or homemade taste repellents that render the treated plant inedible. A dog can help keep rabbits away, especially if it is outside and awake at night. Eastern cottontail rabbit is the most common species of the cottontail rabbit. Droppings are generally spherical, sometimes slightly oblong or irregular, but never acorn- or capsule-shaped like those of deer and elk. It’s so un… Ultrasonic units, which rely on sound waves to repel rabbits, have not been proven effective. Electric netting (a type of electric fence) is also suitable for rabbit exclusion. The eastern cottontail is chunky, red-brown or gray-brown in appearance, with large hind feet, long ears, and a short, fluffy white tail. The large feet of the snowshoe hare make a good sound thump, and often when a family group is together, one will be lookout and thump a warning when something suspicious approaches. The ancestor of all 80 varieties of domestic rabbits, this multicolored rabbit is the largest of all at 20 to 30 inches long. Deer damage can be identified easily: It occurs above 2 feet and, because deer have no upper front teeth and must twist and pull when browsing, they leave a ragged break. It is common to provide perches for owls and hawks in some commercial areas to control rabbits, hares, and small rodents. 4). It averages 17 inches in length and is light brown in color; the white underside of its 2-inch tail is readily visible when the rabbit runs. Note: Before purchasing the product, ask the representative about the effects of electric netting on frogs, toads, and baby rabbits. More typically, a female will raise four litters between March and September, with an average of five young per litter. It is slate-gray with a buff-colored tail and is found in the dense sagebrush and rabbitbrush areas of south-central Washington (where fewer than 50 of these rabbits exist). 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