NORTH AMERIOANi FAUNA 66 



FiGTJKE 24. — Distribution of SylvilagUrS fioridarms malluriis. 



trees. With the deforestation of much of Maryland since Colonial 

 times the cottontail has found more suitable habitat and today is 

 abundant throughout the State. 



The cottontail is both diurnal and nocturnal, but is most active 

 during the first 3 or 4 hours after daylight and from 2 to 3 hours be- 

 fore sunset to about 1 hour after sunset. It does not hibernate, but is 

 active yearlong. Cottontails are solitary and seldom are two or more 

 found together except in the case of mother and young. 



The female builds a brood nest of grass combined with fur plucked 

 from her own abdomen. The nest, placed in a depression in the ground, 

 is about 4 or 5 inches in diameter and depth. It is usually well con- 

 cealed in grass, weeds, thickets, or scrubby woods. In addition to the 

 brood nest, the cottontail makes forms that are used as hiding or rest- 

 ing places. These forms are made by scratching or trampling a shallow 

 oval hollow in the ground and sometimes lining it with grass, leaves, 

 or fur. 



Cottontails in Maryland mat^ in late winter. The gestation period 

 varies from 28 to 32 days, and the first litter of the year appears by 

 mid-March. Two or three litters are produced each season, and the 

 number of young per litter varies fi'om three to six, with five being 

 the most frequent. 



SpeciTnens examined. — Charles Cov/nty: Marshall Hall, 1; Rock 

 Point, 1. Garrett County: Grantsville, 1. Howdrd C aunty : Long Cor- 



