What kind of rabbits are in Michigan?
Two species are found in Michigan, the cottontail rabbit and the snowshoe hare. Both rabbits and hares are species adapted to being food for predators, such as hawks, owls, coyote, and foxes.
How long do Michigan rabbits live?
Young leave the nest after about two weeks. Swamp rabbits reach sexual maturity after 23 weeks. Most females will have two to three litters per year. Few studies have been done to examine the lifespan of the swamp rabbit, but it is estimated they live an average of 1.8 years and may live up to nine years.
Are rabbits legal in Michigan?
Only licensed wildlife rehabilitators may possess abandoned or injured wildlife. Unless a person is licensed, it is illegal in Michigan to possess a live wild animal, including raccoons and rabbits.
What is the difference between a cottontail rabbit and a snowshoe hare?
Snowshoe hares are larger than cottontails, having a larger body, longer ears, and much longer feet. Probably the most recognizable difference between them is that snowshoe hares turn white during the winter while cottontails remain brown.
Do Michigan rabbits hibernate?
Food isn’t the only thing a rabbit has to be particularly concerned about during winter. Since they don’t hibernate like some Michigan winter wildlife does, rabbits must find places where they can both eat and hide from predators. During winter, rabbits look for areas where they can eat without being harassed.
What do baby bunnies eat?
WHAT TO FEED THE BABIES. Baby rabbits should be fed Kitten Milk Replacer (KMR) or goat milk, which you can buy at pet stores, or sometimes even a local veterinarian’s office. Because rabbit milk is the most caloric of all mammals, we add in one tablespoon of 100% heavy whipping cream (no sugar) to each can of KMR.
What are baby rabbits called?
kittens
Newborn hares, called leverets, are fully developed at birth—furred with open eyes—while newborn rabbits, called kittens or kits, are born undeveloped, with closed eyes, no fur, and an inability to regulate their own temperature, Stott said.
What’s a baby rabbit called?
Do cottontails turn white?
Look-a-likes. Despite the fact that they are separate species, the New England cottontail and eastern cottontail are nearly identical in appearance. This species’ fur turns white in the winter, allowing it to blend into the snow-covered landscape, while the fur of cottontail rabbits stays brown year-round.
Do rabbits eat their babies?
Rabbits can sometimes eat their own young. This is most likely to happen if your pet is feeling particularly anxious, lacks dietary protein, or has become excessively territorial. Feed your rabbit a diet of Alfalfa hay in the days before the birth of her kits.
What kind of rabbits are found in Michigan?
Two species are found in Michigan, the cottontail rabbit and the snowshoe hare. Both rabbits and hares are species adapted to being food for predators, such as hawks, owls, coyote, and foxes. They are able to reproduce at a fast rate and early age so their populations can tolerate a high level of predation.
Where can I find a cottontail rabbit in Michigan?
Cottontail rabbits can be found throughout most of Michigan but are less common in the northern portions of the state. Cottontail’s prefer areas with ample vegetation and hiding places such as brush piles and thickets. Summertime foods include grasses, clover, and garden vegetables.
How old do Rabbits have to be to breed?
Rabbits can breed at 2-3 months old. Females from the first spring litter can breed that same summer. Baby rabbits are born about a month later with little hair and their eyes closed. A cottontail’s litter is usually 3 to 8 babies. The mother only visits her nest once or twice a day to nurse her young.
Where can you find snowshoe hares in Michigan?
Snowshoe hares are best adapted to the higher snowfall and dense forests of northern Michigan. Cottontail rabbits can be found throughout most of Michigan but are less common in the northern portions of the state.