6 Types of Rabbits in Arizona
Quick Answer: Arizona is home to several rabbit species, including the desert cottontail, black-tailed jackrabbit, and antelope jackrabbit. Desert cottontails are most common in lowland areas, while jackrabbits prefer open grasslands. Start by looking for cottontails near brushy edges and jackrabbits in open terrain.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 7, 2026.
Verified species, source iNaturalist
6 types of rabbits recorded in Arizona
6 rabbit species have a verified observation record in Arizona across the rabbit and hare family (Leporidae), each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The full list, ranked by how often each is recorded, is below.
1 of the 6 shown is recorded as introduced to Arizona rather than native.
1
2
3
4
5
6
Plus 1 more recorded only rarely (fewer than 10 verified sightings). Counts from verified iNaturalist observations. Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
Quick Answer: Arizona is home to several rabbit species, including the desert cottontail, black-tailed jackrabbit, and antelope jackrabbit. Desert cottontails are most common in lowland areas, while jackrabbits prefer open grasslands. Start by looking for cottontails near brushy edges and jackrabbits in open terrain.
What Are the Most Common Rabbit Species in Arizona?
The desert cottontail (_Sylvilagus audubonii_) is the rabbit you will see most often across Arizona, from suburban yards to desert washes. Two widespread hares also roam the state: the black-tailed jackrabbit (_Lepus californicus_) and the antelope jackrabbit (_Lepus alleni_). A fourth species, the mountain cottontail (_Sylvilagus nuttallii_), lives in higher elevations. For more on rabbit biology and conservation, visit our/animals/rabbitpage.
How Can You Tell Desert Cottontails Apart from Jackrabbits?
Size is the quickest clue. Desert cottontails are smaller, weighing 2–3 pounds, with short ears and a fluffy white tail. Jackrabbits (actually hares) are larger, 5–8 pounds, with very long ears and legs. When startled, cottontails dart into cover while jackrabbits bound away at high speed. For Arizona-specific resources, check/wildlife/arizona.
Where and When Should You Look for Each Type?
Desert cottontails favor brushy habitats near water sources, urban edges, and agricultural fields. Black-tailed jackrabbits prefer open desert, grasslands, and sagebrush. Antelope jackrabbits stick to southern Arizona's grassy plains and mesquite savannas. Best viewing times are early morning and late afternoon year-round. For detailed county maps, see/wildlife/arizona/rabbit/types.
What About the Arizona Black-Tailed Jackrabbit?
The black-tailed jackrabbit is the most widespread hare in Arizona, found from the low deserts up to 8,000 feet. It has black-tipped ears and a black stripe running down the tail. This hare is most active at dawn and dusk and can often be seen grazing along roadsides. They are built for speed, reaching 40 mph when fleeing predators.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
How Can You Spot an Antelope Jackrabbit?
Antelope jackrabbits are larger than black-tailed jackrabbits, with white flanks and a white belly that flashes when they run. They live only in southern Arizona, especially in Santa Cruz and Cochise counties. Look for them in open grassy areas where their long ears and loping gait stand out. They are more heat-tolerant than other rabbits.
Travel Tips for Rabbit Watching in Arizona
For the best rabbit-viewing experiences, visit desert parks like Saguaro National Park or the Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge. Bring binoculars and go during the cooler hours.
Where Can I Find Rabbit-Inspired Gear and Gifts?
If you want to show off your love for rabbits, check out these picks from Easy Street Markets:
Vintage Rabbit Art 90s Oversize Graphic Tee
This comfortable, oversized shirt features a unique vintage rabbit design. A great gift for any rabbit fan.Check Price and Availability
Funny I Really Like Rabbits T-Shirt
A casual tee that says it plainly. Perfect for everyday wear or as a conversation starter.Check Price and Availability
Anatomy of The Bunny T-Shirt
A science-themed shirt labeling rabbit anatomy. Great for educators and curious naturalists.Check Price and Availability
Browse more rabbit-themed items on our/t-shirtspage.
Rabbit Tote Bag, Rabbit Lover Gift, whimsical Rabbit tote, Cute Rabbit totes, Fun colorful animal tote, Rabbit lover gift, wildlife tote
A strong match for this wildlife page and an easy next click after the guide.Check Price and Availability
Frequently Asked Questions About Arizona Rabbits
**What is the difference between a rabbit and a hare?** Hares are larger, have longer ears and legs, and are born fully furred with open eyes. Rabbits are smaller, born hairless and blind.
**Are jackrabbits true rabbits?** No, jackrabbits are hares. True rabbits are in the genus _Sylvilagus_ (cottontails).
**Can I see rabbits in the Grand Canyon?** Yes, desert cottontails and black-tailed jackrabbits are common on the South Rim, especially near developed areas.
**What do Arizona rabbits eat?** Grasses, forbs, and shrub leaves. In summer they may eat cacti fruits for moisture.
**Do rabbits hibernate in Arizona?** No, they are active year-round. In extreme heat they become more nocturnal.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Frequently asked questions
What types of rabbits live in Arizona?+
The desert cottontail (_Sylvilagus audubonii_) is the rabbit you will see most often across Arizona, from suburban yards to desert washes. Two widespread hares also roam the state: the black-tailed jackrabbit (_Lepus californicus_) and the antelope jackrabbit (_Lepus alleni_). A fourth species, the mountain cottontail (_Sylvilagus nuttallii_), lives in higher elevations. For more on rabbit biology and conservation, visit our/animals/rabbitpage.
How do you tell rabbits apart in Arizona?+
The desert cottontail (_Sylvilagus audubonii_) is the rabbit you will see most often across Arizona, from suburban yards to desert washes. Two widespread hares also roam the state: the black-tailed jackrabbit (_Lepus californicus_) and the antelope jackrabbit (_Lepus alleni_). A fourth species, the mountain cottontail (_Sylvilagus nuttallii_), lives in higher elevations. For more on rabbit biology and conservation, visit our/animals/rabbitpage.
Which rabbit is most common in Arizona?+
The desert cottontail (_Sylvilagus audubonii_) is the rabbit you will see most often across Arizona, from suburban yards to desert washes. Two widespread hares also roam the state: the black-tailed jackrabbit (_Lepus californicus_) and the antelope jackrabbit (_Lepus alleni_). A fourth species, the mountain cottontail (_Sylvilagus nuttallii_), lives in higher elevations. For more on rabbit biology and conservation, visit our/animals/rabbitpage.
Keep exploring
More places to see rabbit
More wildlife in Arizona