Cottontail Kabbit 



Cottontail rabbits are all-year-round resi- 

 dents of the apple tree community. They 

 are mild and playful creatures, and in the 

 evening after they have timidly emerged 

 from their hiding places they run in circles 

 or roll over and tumble about as if playing 

 games. But at the first suspicious sound they 

 snap to attention. Their long ears stiffen. 

 They brace their strong hind legs for a sud- 

 den getaway. And if danger seems too close, 

 they are off with a leap, warning their 

 fellows with their bobbing cottontails. 



Baby rabbits are born in a snug, warm 

 nest of grass and fur placed in a depression 

 in the ground a saucer-like hole, usually, 

 and not more than three or four inches 

 deep. Many young rabbits fall prey to hun- 

 gry foxes, owls, hawks, and snakes. But 

 rabbits increase rapidly; a mother rabbit 

 gives birth to three or four families each 

 year, with from four to six youngsters in 

 each litter. 



Cottontails are plant eaters. In the sum- 

 mer they choose the tender grass and clover 

 found in the apple tree community. In the 

 winter they manage a thin living by eating 

 buds, bark, and berries. 



