Cottontail Rabbit and Snowshoe Hare Habitat
The New England cottontail rabbit was, in 2011, a candidate for federal listing as a threatened species. Less than 300 rabbits are believed to be in Maine, most in the south. Threats include the loss of young forest and thickets due to the loss of agricultural land, pets such as cats, and invasive vegetation not suitable for the cottontail. Now a state endangered species, Maine has discontinued hunting since 2004.
It is the only true rabbit in Maine, distinguished from the snowshoe hare by its smaller size, its brown color in winter, and a black spot between the ears. The New England cottontail, once more broadly distributed, are now found only in the southern most counties of York and Cumberland. Eastern cottontails, on the other hand, do not occur in Maine.
New England Cottontail Rabbit
New England Cottontail Rabbit
| Size | Habitat | Food | Litter | Born | Behavior |
| L=14-18″ T=1-3″ 2-4 lbs |
Brushy areas, young forest, open woodlands, swamps, mountains |
Summer: grasses, herbs. Winter: seedlings, bark, twigs, buds |
2 or 3 litters per yr; 3-8 young in litter |
March- July |
Secretive, rarely ventures from cover |
NOTE: L=length, T=length of tail, Litter = typical number of young
Snowshoe Hare, Baxter State Park (2004)
The snowshoe hare inhabits the northern, most forested, portion of the state. Far from being threatened, they may be hunted from October 1st through March 31st.
It is distinguished from the cottontail, in addition to its range, by being larger, large hind feet, longer ears and shorter tail.
During the summer its coat is a light brown and, of course, its color is white during the winter.
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Additional resources
Langley, Liz. “What’s the Difference Between Rabbits and Hares?” National Geographic. December 17, 2014. http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2014/12/141219-rabbits-hares-animals-science-mating-courtship/ (accessed August 20, 2017)
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Maine Field Office – Ecological services. “New England Cottontail Rabbit. (Sylvilagus transitionalis) – Candidate for federal listing.” http://www.fws.gov/mainefieldoffice/New_England_cottontail_rabbit.html (accessed January 16, 2012)
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. “New England Cottontail Conservation.” https://www.fws.gov/northeast/newenglandcottontail/ (accessed October 31, 2016)
Are rabbits and hare 2 different species?
Great question! Yes, they are different species. Hares are bigger, with longer ears. Newborn hares, called leverets, are fully developed at birth: with fur and open eyes. Baby rabbits, called kittens or kits, are born with closed eyes and no fur, needing more care from momma bunny. See more details from the “Additional resources.”
Although hares are not found in York County we had one in our yard in the Summer of 2018 just outside of Kezar Falls.
I’ve got a dark chocolate brown rabbit near my house — it has a small white spot in the center of its forehead. It’s really a beautiful dark chocolate color.
Probably a baby brown rabbit. Search “baby brown rabbits” for photos.