Cottontail Rabbits: Designed to Detect and Escape

As a primary prey species, rabbits must remain ever-vigilant, perfecting their instincts to sense and flee from danger. Their bodies are highly specialized for this purpose.

• Long ears that move independently, picking up sounds from all directions

• Large eyes on each side of the head, giving nearly 360° vision (with a small blind spot in front)

• Hind feet much bigger than the front feet, help them leap long distances and move quickly

• Short tail, white & fluffy on the underside — resembling a small cotton ball 🤗 It may help break up the rabbit’s outline as it runs and signal danger to other rabbits

Making a quick getaway!