Cottontail Rabbit: A Common North American Animal

Cottontail Rabbit The cottontail rabbit is one of the most familiar small animals in North America.

Its name comes from the fluffy white fur on the underside of its tail, which looks like

a cotton ball when it hops away. These rabbits live in grasslands, meadows,

and even backyards. They eat grasses, clover, and vegetables, and they can run

up to 18 miles per hour to escape danger. A female cottontail can have several litters a year,

with up to six babies each time, helping the species thrive despite many predators.