Also known as: Swamp rabbit
The swamp rabbit resembles the eastern cottontail but is larger, with proportionately shorter and rounder ears, coarser body fur with a yellowish cast, and more black mottling. Its hind feet are reddish brown on top, and the underside is white except for a buffy gray chest. Total length ranges 16-22 inches and weight ranges 2.5-6 pounds.
Habitat & Range
These rabbits live in wet lowlands and along the banks of streams and drainage ditches. When pursued they readily enter water, swimming and diving well, and often hide under roots or other overhanging protection. In Missouri they are limited to the Mississippi Lowlands of southeast Missouri (the Bootheel region).
Life History
They consume many grasses, sedges, and herbs from moist areas, plus succulent aquatic plants and the stems of cane, with one sedge species (Carex lupulina) especially favored in southeast Missouri. In winter they eat twigs and bark of blackberry, hazelnut, deciduous holly, and spicebush. Breeding runs from February through mid-July with gestation of 35-40 days, up to 5 litters per year each containing 3-4 young, and young leave the nest in their second week.
Status, Trends & Threats
The swamp rabbit is listed as a Species of Conservation Concern in Missouri. Numbers have been declining due to loss of appropriate swamp habitat, as most of the southeast lowland hardwood forests and swamps have been drained and converted to row crops. Its future likely depends on publicly owned and managed lands or large private timber tracts where wetland habitat is retained.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is swamp rabbit hunting allowed in Missouri?
Yes, swamp rabbits are a game species in Missouri, but because of their limited range and declining numbers, special restrictions apply to the bag limit for this imperiled species. Hunters should check current MDC Small Game Regulations for the specific daily bag and possession limits, which are more restrictive than for eastern cottontail.
Where in Missouri can swamp rabbits be hunted?
Swamp rabbits are found only in the Mississippi Lowlands of southeast Missouri, known as the Bootheel region. They inhabit wet lowlands, swamps, and stream banks. Popular public hunting areas include Duck Creek Conservation Area, Otter Slough Conservation Area, and other wetland areas in the Bootheel.
How can I distinguish a swamp rabbit from an eastern cottontail in the field?
Swamp rabbits are noticeably larger and heavier than eastern cottontails, with shorter rounder ears, coarser yellowish-tinged fur, and reddish brown tops on the hind feet. Their behavior is also distinctive: when pursued, swamp rabbits readily enter water and are strong swimmers, while eastern cottontails typically stay on dry ground.
