WY Cottontail Rabbit Hunting Guide

Also known as: Mountain cottontail, Desert cottontail, Nuttall's cottontail

Cottontail rabbits comprise the genus Sylvilagus, which is in the family Leporidae. They are found in the Americas. Most Sylvilagus species have stub tails with white undersides that show when they retreat, giving them their characteristic name, but this feature is not present in all Sylvilagus species, nor is it unique to the genus. Their fur ranges from brown to gray and changes throughout the year, depending on the season.

Life History

27, seetext Cottontail rabbitscomprise thegenusSylvilagus, which is in the familyLeporidae. They are found in the Americas.[1]MostSylvilagusspecies have stub tails with white undersides that show when they retreat, giving them their characteristic name, but this feature is not present in allSylvilagusspecies, nor is it unique to the genus. Their fur ranges from brown to gray and changes throughout the year, depending on the season.[2] The genus is widely distributed across North America,Central America, and northern and central South America, though most species are confined to particular regions. Most species live in nests called forms, and all havealtricialyoung. They often live on the edges of fields, farms, and other open spaces far from highly populated areas, but sometimes they make their nests in yards and parks near more people.[3]An adult female averages three litters per year, which can be born in any season. Occurrence and litter size depend on several factors, including time of the year, weather, and location. The average litter size is four, but can range from as few as two to as many as eight, most of which do not survive to adulthood. Females can begin reproducing when they are only six months old.[2] Cottontail rabbits show a greater resistance tomyxomatosisthanEuropean rabbits.[4]

Hunting Season

Typically Sep-Feb. Check current WGFD small game regulations.

References

• Wyoming — Cottontail Rabbit