baylenlatona's Identifications

Visual Description:
This rabbit is about two feet long. It has strong hind legs used for running fast. It has tall ears and a distinct white tail. The ears are about 5 inches tall and oval shaped. This rabbit is brown and gray in color and has a white tail. No reproductive parts were observed.

Defining Characteristics:
Eastern Cottontail rabbits are distinguished by their white (cottontail) tail. As seen in the last photo, the distinct white tail is what allowed me to classify this organism. This organism has fur and gives live birth to its young. Therefore it is a mammal and deuterostome.

Habitat:
Eastern Cottontail rabbits prefer open, grassy areas with shrubs for them to hide in. In Florida, they are commonly found in forest and prairie habitats. This rabbit was observed in an urban area.

Range:
Eastern Cottontail rabbits are the most common rabbit species in the United States. They are found throughout the northwest, south, and midwestern regions of the U.S. Their range extends from Venezuela to Canada.

Additional Information:
This rabbit was very active and running across the neighborhood. It was observed during a hot, summer day and the temperature was in the 80s.

Reference:
https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/eastern-cottontail-cottontail-rabbit