cottontail rabbits

genus Sylvilagus

Member of hares and rabbits (family Leporidae)
lagomorphs (order Lagomorpha)
placental mammals (infraclass Placentalia)
therians (subclass Theria)
mammals (class Mammalia)
animals (kingdom Animalia)

There are no other wild species of this genus in the bay area.

Anne Parsons has collected many obeservations showing the differences in features. The Creagus website has additional ID tips for less apparent features.

Note that either cottontail may appear brown or gray overall.

desert cottontail
Sylvilagus audubonii

ears ± as long as the face (nose to base of ear)

tip of ears is dark

tail is short, like a bobtail, but more than just a bump
rust color on nape of neck and legs

brush rabbit
Sylvilagus bachmani

ears obviously shorter than the face (nose to base of ear)

no color difference at tip of ears

very small tail, appearing as just a bump
no color difference on nape of neck and legs

2 observed taxons / 1 key

Chris’s observations: 12 (11 are research grade)

Locations:

Murray Ranch SP: 2
Windy Hill OSP: 2
Arches NP, Utah
Big Basin SP
Dr. Aurelia Reinhardt Redwood RP
Edgewood Park & Natural Preserve
San Pedro Valley CP
Santa Teresa CP
Sweeney Ridge National Recreation Area
Wilder Ranch SP

Months:

May: 3
Jun.: 1
Jul.: 2
Aug.: 3
Sep.: 0
Oct.: 1
Nov.: 0
Dec.: 1
Jan.: 0
Feb.: 1

For more details, use advanced search.

Taxon info: iNaturalist

Bay Area species: iNaturalist