Rabbits in Colorado: identification guide and where to start looking
Rabbits do show up in Colorado, and the best first step is matching habitat, timing, and recent local conditions. Colorado harbors two main rabbit groups: desert cottontails and mountain cottontails in lower elevations and foothills, plus black-tailed and white-tailed jackrabbits (technically hares) across semi-arid regions and higher plateaus. Start with the state wildlife hub to identify which species range through your target area, compare likely cover and movement windows, use the animal facts page for field marks, and plan one realistic route before heading out. Rabbits are active year-round in Colorado, though spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) bring peak visibility. Most sightings happen at dawn or dusk near brushy edges, grassland transitions, and sagebrush flats. The key to a productive outing is slow movement, binoculars, and patience at one promising spot rather than covering too much ground.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 2, 2026.
- 7
- species recorded
- June, July, May
- peak months
Lookalikes, source iNaturalist
How to tell a rabbit from its lookalikes in Colorado
Only one species of rabbit lives in Colorado, so the real question is telling it apart from its relatives. 7 other members of the rabbit and hare family have a verified observation record here, each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The ones you are most likely to confuse it with are Mountain Cottontail, Desert Cottontail and Eastern Cottontail. Compare them below, ranked by how often each is recorded.
Records from verified iNaturalist observations. Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
Diet, source GloBI
What rabbits eat
Recorded prey and food of the rabbit, from the Global Biotic Interactions database, limited to species that occur in the United States. This is what rabbits have actually been observed eating, not a list for any one place.
- Alsike clover
- buttonweed
- Clustered clover
- common dandelion
- common evening-primrose
- common jewelweed
- common milkweed
- common mugwort
- crimson clover
- dense blazing star
- eastern pricklypear complex
- Egyptian clover
- hop trefoil
- Japanese barberry
Feeding records from the Global Biotic Interactions (GloBI) database. Common names resolved from iNaturalist.
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
10,013 verified observations on iNaturalist of rabbit have been recorded in Colorado, most often in June, July, May.
When rabbit are recorded in Colorado
Rabbits do show up in Colorado, and the best first step is matching habitat, timing, and recent local conditions. Colorado harbors two main rabbit groups: desert cottontails and mountain cottontails in lower elevations and foothills, plus black-tailed and white-tailed jackrabbits (technically hares) across semi-arid regions and higher plateaus. Start with the state wildlife hub to identify which species range through your target area, compare likely cover and movement windows, use the animal facts page for field marks, and plan one realistic route before heading out. Rabbits are active year-round in Colorado, though spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) bring peak visibility. Most sightings happen at dawn or dusk near brushy edges, grassland transitions, and sagebrush flats. The key to a productive outing is slow movement, binoculars, and patience at one promising spot rather than covering too much ground.
What are the key identification markers for rabbits in Colorado?
Colorado has two main rabbit groups: cottontails and jackrabbits (actually hares). Cottontails have relatively short ears (2-3 inches) with a white underside on the tail, while jackrabbits have very long ears (6-8 inches) with black tips. Look for the white flash of the cottontail's tail as it runs. Jackrabbits are larger, with longer legs and a loping gait. Check therabbit identification pagefor more comparison details.
Desert cottontails wear pale brown coats with pure white tail undersides; mountain cottontails are slightly darker. Black-tailed jackrabbits display dramatically long ears with black tips and a black stripe running the length of their tail. White-tailed jackrabbits (found at higher elevations) have long ears with black tips but a white tail and turn nearly white in winter. The running behavior differs too: cottontails zigzag with short, quick bounds, while jackrabbits gallop in long straight lines at speeds up to 35 mph.
In Colorado, rabbits sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to the most useful ID markers and likely lookalikes. Use thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.
Where in Colorado are you most likely to see rabbits?
Start in the eastern plains and foothills. Rabbits thrive in open grasslands, sagebrush, and suburban edges. TheColorado wildlife hubnotes that desert cottontails are common in the lower elevations, while mountain cottontails prefer higher pine forests. Look near brush piles, fence lines, and at dawn or dusk.
Geographically, eastern Colorado (from the Front Range east toward Kansas) holds the highest densities of desert cottontails and black-tailed jackrabbits. The central foothill zone from Boulder south to Canon City supports mountain cottontails and occasional black-tailed jackrabbits. Higher elevation parks and plateaus (above 8,000 feet) hold white-tailed jackrabbits, especially on the Mesa Verde area and San Juan Mountains margins. Along the Colorado River bottomlands and in western slope sage-steppe (Palisade, Glenwood Springs area), expect desert cottontails and black-tailed jacks. Suburban yards with brush, mulch piles, and perimeter plantings attract rabbits in spring and fall, making Front Range suburbs (Denver, Fort Collins, Boulder) surprisingly good for quick sightings.
Most misses happen when people arrive at the wrong hour or expect nonstop activity. Build around where in the state people usually notice them first, keep one backup area in mind, and use theanimal facts pageplustour planning ideasto compare what a realistic outing looks like in Colorado. If movement slows, stay longer at one promising spot, listen for calls or watch for edge movement, and reset around weather, light, water, or feeding changes instead of jumping to a totally new area too early.
What is the best time of year to spot rabbits in Colorado?
Spring and fall offer the most activity. Rabbits are most visible during early morning and late evening. In summer, they seek shade; in winter, snow makes tracks easier to follow. The best odds for a confident sighting are April through May and September through October.
April through May is prime: spring green-up drives rabbits into open feeding areas, and warmer nights lengthen active periods. Expect peak visibility in early morning (5-7 am) and late afternoon (4-7 pm). September through October mirror this pattern as rabbits fatten up for winter and resume more visible daylight grazing. Summer (June-August) sees rabbits inactive in midday heat, retreating to dense brush and burrows. Early morning sorties (before 8 am) or evening watches (after 5 pm) are almost mandatory. Winter rabbits remain active but less visible; however, fresh snow reveals tracks, scat, and bed sites, making reading sign easier than spotting movement. Late December through February can be excellent for track surveys but challenging for live sightings unless you're at a known feeding area (brush-covered yards, irrigation ditches where green forage persists).
How do rabbits differ from other similar species in Colorado?
The main lookalikes are jackrabbits. Cottontails have shorter ears and a fluffy white tail; jackrabbits have longer ears with black tips and a black tail. Also, check the running pattern: cottontails bound in zigzags, jackrabbits run straight. For a detailed breakdown, visit theColorado rabbit identification guide.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
What field marks should I look for in different rabbit species?
Focus on the tail and ears. Desert cottontail: pale brown body, white tail, ears about 2.5 inches. Mountain cottontail: slightly darker, ears about 2 inches. Black-tailed jackrabbit: very long black-tipped ears, black stripe on tail. White-tailed jackrabbit: white tail, ears with black tips. In winter, white-tailed jackrabbits turn white.
How can I improve my chances of spotting rabbits in the wild?
Move slowly and quietly at dawn or dusk. Scan field edges and thickets. Use binoculars to spot them before they bolt. Look for sign like droppings (small round pellets) and tracks. TheColorado state pagehas more tips on local hotspots.
What field signs reveal rabbit presence even when you don't see them?
Rabbit sign is easier to read than the animals themselves. Look for dark, round droppings clustered near brush, logs, or rocks; a single rabbit produces hundreds daily. Fresh tracks show hind feet (2-3 inches) landing ahead of front feet (1-2 inches), creating an offset pattern in mud or snow. Nibbled vegetation at uniform heights (1-3 feet up) on twigs and shrubs signals active feeding. A worn trail through tall grass or between brush clumps often marks a regular run. In winter, snow reveals a maze of tracks and small rectangular "forms" (shallow depressions where rabbits rest). Bark stripping on young willows and aspens near water indicates rabbit pressure. If you find these signs but no rabbits, return at dawn or dusk, as the animals are using the area but timing didn't align.
Why are some rabbits active at night and others during the day in Colorado?
All Colorado rabbits are primarily crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk), though they forage throughout daylight and night. Desert cottontails are more diurnal (active in day) than mountain cottontails or jackrabbits. In spring and fall, when temperatures are mild, rabbits often feed openly in morning and late afternoon. Summer heat forces them into nocturnal and crepuscular peaks only. Winter varies: on mild, snow-free days rabbits may be visible midday; on hard-freeze days they stay put. Time your search for the golden hours (first two hours after sunrise, last two hours before sunset) for best odds. If a sighting seems slow, wait quietly for 15-20 minutes at a promising edge; many rabbits remain motionless and only move when something startles them or hunger drives them to feed again.
What rabbit-themed gear can I use to celebrate my sightings?
Once you've identified a rabbit, you might want to show your appreciation. Check out these picks:
Rabbit Tote Bag []() A whimsical colorful tote for carrying field guides or snacks. Check Price and Availability
Vintage Rabbit Art T-Shirt []() Comfortable and aesthetic, perfect for wearing on your next outing. Check Price and Availability
Funny I Really Like Rabbits T-Shirt []() A lighthearted tee for rabbit fans. Check Price and Availability
For more options, browse ourwildlife t-shirts.
Frequently asked questions about identifying rabbits in Colorado
**Are there any endangered rabbit species in Colorado?** The Colorado River cottontail is not listed, but white-tailed jackrabbit populations have declined in some areas.
**What is the difference between a bunny and a rabbit?** "Bunny" is an informal term; all are rabbits.
**Do rabbits hibernate in Colorado?** No, they stay active year-round.
**How can I tell a cottontail from a jackrabbit?** See the ear and tail tips above.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Frequently asked questions
How do you identify rabbits in Colorado?+
Colorado has two main rabbit groups: cottontails and jackrabbits (actually hares). Cottontails have relatively short ears (2-3 inches) with a white underside on the tail, while jackrabbits have very long ears (6-8 inches) with black tips. Look for the white flash of the cottontail's tail as it runs. Jackrabbits are larger, with longer legs and a loping gait. Check therabbit identification pagefor more comparison details. Desert cottontails wear pale brown coats with pure white tail undersides; mountain cottontails are slightly darker. Black-tailed jackrabbits display dramatically long ears with black tips and a black stripe running the length of their tail. White-tailed jackrabbits (found at higher elevations) have long ears with black tips but a white tail and turn nearly white in winter. The running behavior differs too: cottontails zigzag with short, quick bounds, while jackrabbits gallop in long straight lines at speeds up to 35 mph. In Colorado, rabbits sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to the most useful ID markers and likely lookalikes. Use thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.
What do rabbits look like in Colorado?+
Colorado has two main rabbit groups: cottontails and jackrabbits (actually hares). Cottontails have relatively short ears (2-3 inches) with a white underside on the tail, while jackrabbits have very long ears (6-8 inches) with black tips. Look for the white flash of the cottontail's tail as it runs. Jackrabbits are larger, with longer legs and a loping gait. Check therabbit identification pagefor more comparison details. Desert cottontails wear pale brown coats with pure white tail undersides; mountain cottontails are slightly darker. Black-tailed jackrabbits display dramatically long ears with black tips and a black stripe running the length of their tail. White-tailed jackrabbits (found at higher elevations) have long ears with black tips but a white tail and turn nearly white in winter. The running behavior differs too: cottontails zigzag with short, quick bounds, while jackrabbits gallop in long straight lines at speeds up to 35 mph. In Colorado, rabbits sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to the most useful ID markers and likely lookalikes. Use thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.
Where can you see rabbits in Colorado?+
Colorado has two main rabbit groups: cottontails and jackrabbits (actually hares). Cottontails have relatively short ears (2-3 inches) with a white underside on the tail, while jackrabbits have very long ears (6-8 inches) with black tips. Look for the white flash of the cottontail's tail as it runs. Jackrabbits are larger, with longer legs and a loping gait. Check therabbit identification pagefor more comparison details. Desert cottontails wear pale brown coats with pure white tail undersides; mountain cottontails are slightly darker. Black-tailed jackrabbits display dramatically long ears with black tips and a black stripe running the length of their tail. White-tailed jackrabbits (found at higher elevations) have long ears with black tips but a white tail and turn nearly white in winter. The running behavior differs too: cottontails zigzag with short, quick bounds, while jackrabbits gallop in long straight lines at speeds up to 35 mph. In Colorado, rabbits sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to the most useful ID markers and likely lookalikes. Use thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.
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