Appalachian Cottontail
(Sylvilagus obscurus)
Description & Range:
Appalachian cottontails look very similar to the more common Eastern cottontails (Sylvilagus floridanus), making the two species difficult to tell apart. Like the Eastern cottontail, they are small animals with brown fur, long ears, and long hind legs and feet. Often, the Appalachian cottontail is slightly smaller than the eastern cottontail, with ears slightly shorter and more rounded. Their ears may also contain a black spot between them, while Easterns tend to have a white spot on their heads instead, though this is not always present.
Appalachian cottontails are found along the Appalachian Mountain chain, which stretches from New York to northern Alabama. In Maryland, they are only found in the western-most part of the state, in Allegany and Garrett counties. Isolated populations may persist in Washington and Frederick county but have not been confirmed.
Habitat:
Appalachian cottontails are found in high elevations of mountainous regions, with ground cover provided by species such as mountain laurels, rhododendrons, and blueberries. They prefer dense shrublands and forested areas.
Diet:
Appalachian cottontails are herbivorous, feeding on low-growing grasses and woody materials like bark, twigs, and buds.
Reproduction:
Like all rabbits, Appalachian cottontails reproduce at a rapid rate to maintain their populations. Females can have up to five babies in each litter, and can produce three or more litters per season. They make their nests in covered depressions in the ground, lining them with grass and soft fur. Similar to other rabbits in this genus, they tend to be polygamous, with males competing for females through complex displays of agility.
Behavior:
Appalachian cottontails are crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk. This is when they typically forage for food. During the day, they tend to rest under cover to shelter from predators.
Conservation:
Appalachian cottontail populations are declining throughout their range due to threats such as habitat loss, hybridization with Eastern cottontails, and a wildlife disease called rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHDV-2). Fortunately, RHDV-2 has not yet been documented in Maryland, as wild cases have been contained to west of the Mississippi. In western Maryland, scientists are conducting studies to understand how many populations exist in the region. Their populations can be supported by conserving their natural habitats and planting native shrubs that provide good cover. If you ever come across a sick, injured, or orphaned rabbit, be sure to do your homework and use the appropriate wildlife rehabilitator to help. 