-- ANIMAL FACTS --
THE RABBIT


Cottontails and jackrabbits are abundant in the brushy woods and gardens of eastern North America, on the western plains and deserts, on mountains, and even in the Arctic snows. Rabbits and hares are gnawing animals like rats, mice, and squirrels. They have the same type of strong, chisel like front teeth. Their long ears help rabbits to detect their enemies. Therefore these animals should never be lifted by their ears. They should be picked up by the loose skin of the neck with one hand while the other hand supports the body under the hind legs.

When the animal is resting or eating, the ears lie quietly along its back. At the slightest sound it's ears stand upright, waving backward and forward as they try to locate the danger. The nose too is sensitive. The rabbit also twitches it's nostrils and moves it's head up and down trying to smell if a predator is nearby. The rabbit has big eyes. This way it can see in every direction at the same time it is looking for shelter.

Rabbits feed at night and remain in the nest or form during the day. They are fond of gardens and field crops. In the winter they feed on the bark of trees, shrubs, and berries.

To get away from their enemies, rabbits rely mainly on speed. A frightened jackrabbit can cover from 15 to 20 feet in a single jump. Cottontails rabbits can only jump little more than eight feet, and get tired quicker if being chased. Rabbits can be travelling very fast and suddenly jump in another direction.This makes them hard to catch.

The rabbit lives in any place where he can find brushy shelter. Under the brush they make trails by nibbling off plants at the base. American and Canadian rabbits live alone. Each rabbit has it's own territory and knows his home very well.