In North America, it’s not uncommon for people to come across small, fluffy creatures in fields or backyards and wonder whether they’ve spotted a baby jackrabbit or a baby cottontail. While these two animals might look similar at first glance, especially when young, they are actually quite different in terms of physical traits, behavior, and habitat. Understanding the distinctions between a baby jackrabbit and a cottontail can help wildlife enthusiasts, pet lovers, and curious observers better appreciate the uniqueness of each species.
Understanding the Species
Jackrabbits
Despite their name, jackrabbits are not actually rabbits; they are hares. Hares belong to the same family as rabbits, Leporidae, but differ in various biological and behavioral ways. Jackrabbits are known for their long ears, powerful legs, and incredible running speed. They are built for open environments like deserts and prairies, where escape by running is crucial for survival.
Cottontails
Cottontails are true rabbits and are more commonly found in areas with dense vegetation such as wooded areas, gardens, and meadows. They get their name from their distinctive white, fluffy tails that resemble a cotton ball. Cottontails are smaller and stockier than jackrabbits and have behaviors and characteristics more suited to hiding than to fleeing over long distances.
Physical Differences Between Baby Jackrabbit and Cottontail
At a young age, both animals appear soft and small, but there are noticeable differences in their physical features that help identify which is which.
Size and Build
- Baby jackrabbits: Born larger than cottontails, with longer limbs and bigger feet. Even as newborns, their proportions suggest strong running capability.
- Baby cottontails: Smaller and more compact, with shorter legs and rounder bodies.
Ears and Eyes
- Jackrabbits: Have long ears, often as long as their bodies when fully grown. Baby jackrabbits are born with their eyes open and ears standing up.
- Cottontails: Have shorter ears and are born with their eyes closed. Their ears are small and folded at birth but grow quickly as they age.
Fur and Camouflage
- Jackrabbits: Born fully furred with a mottled pattern that blends into dry, grassy landscapes.
- Cottontails: Born with less fur and a darker skin tone. Their camouflage improves as their fur develops.
Behavioral Differences
Birth and Nesting
One of the clearest differences lies in how the babies are raised.
- Jackrabbits: Hares do not build nests. Baby jackrabbits, known as leverets, are precocial born fully furred, with eyes open, and ready to move within hours. They are hidden individually in shallow depressions called ‘forms.’
- Cottontails: Rabbits dig shallow nests lined with grass and fur. Their young, called kits, are altricial born blind, hairless, and completely dependent on the mother for warmth and food.
Feeding and Growth
Because jackrabbits are more independent from birth, they feed less frequently than cottontails. Cottontail mothers return to the nest several times a day to nurse their young, while jackrabbit mothers may feed only once or twice a day, relying on their offspring’s natural instincts to stay hidden and quiet between feedings.
Habitat Preferences
Jackrabbit Environment
Jackrabbits prefer open habitats like deserts, scrublands, and grasslands. Their long legs and speed make them well-suited for running across large, flat terrain to escape predators. They rely on distance and vision more than concealment.
Cottontail Environment
Cottontails favor areas with plenty of cover, such as shrubs, tall grass, and forest edges. Their survival strategy relies more on hiding and staying motionless when danger is near, then darting for cover if necessary.
Common Misidentifications
Many people mistake baby jackrabbits for cottontails or vice versa. The most common mix-up happens when someone finds a baby hare alone and thinks it has been abandoned. However, this is normal for jackrabbits leverets are left alone for most of the day. In contrast, a truly abandoned cottontail would usually still be in a nest and clearly unable to move or care for itself.
What To Do If You Find a Baby Rabbit or Hare
Assess the Situation
If the animal is fully furred, has open eyes, and appears alert, it is likely a jackrabbit that does not need assistance. If it is bald, has closed eyes, or is cold to the touch, it may be a cottontail that has been orphaned or disturbed.
Best Practices
- Observe from a distance before taking any action.
- Do not pick up or move the baby unless absolutely necessary.
- If the nest has been disturbed, try to place the animal back and cover it lightly with natural materials.
- Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator if the animal appears injured or is clearly in danger.
Conservation and Human Impact
Both jackrabbits and cottontails face pressures from habitat loss, urban expansion, and predation by domestic animals. While neither is currently endangered, local populations can be impacted by changes to their environments.
How Humans Can Help
- Preserve natural habitats whenever possible.
- Keep cats and dogs supervised in areas where wildlife may be nesting.
- Support wildlife education and conservation organizations.
Appreciating the Differences
Baby jackrabbits and cottontails may look similar at first glance, but they have distinct differences in size, behavior, development, and habitat. Understanding these differences is important not only for identification but also for knowing how to responsibly interact with wildlife. Whether you’re a nature photographer, a curious hiker, or someone who stumbles upon a tiny creature in your yard, knowing whether you’ve found a baby jackrabbit or a cottontail can deepen your appreciation for the diversity of life in the wild.