Collection: Cottontail rabbit

The Eastern cottontail rabbit ( Sylvilagus floridanus ), also known as the Eastern cottontail, is an introduced species found in southern Quebec. It frequents fields, wastelands, forest edges and peri-urban areas, where it finds an abundance of food and shelter from predators. This small mammal is recognizable by its compact size, its small ears and especially its white tail, which is clearly visible when it scampers. It feeds mainly on plants: grasses, young shoots, bark and fruit. Active mainly at dawn and dusk, it is often discreet, but its tracks and droppings betray its presence. The rabbit plays an important ecological role as prey for foxes, coyotes and birds of prey. Although it can cause damage to crops and gardens, it remains a familiar figure in the wildlife of southern Quebec, representing the adaptability of species in fragmented environments.