3 Types of Rabbits in Maine
Yes, Maine is home to two main types of wild rabbits: the Eastern Cottontail and the New England Cottontail. The Eastern Cottontail is more widespread, while the New England Cottontail is rarer and found mainly in southern parts. Start your search in fields and brushy edges.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 7, 2026.
- 4
- species recorded
- June, July, May
- peak months
Verified species, source iNaturalist
3 types of rabbits recorded in Maine
3 rabbit species have a verified observation record in Maine 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 3 shown is recorded as introduced to Maine rather than native.
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2
3
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.
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
974 verified observations on iNaturalist of rabbit have been recorded in Maine, most often in June, July, May.
Yes, Maine is home to two main types of wild rabbits: the Eastern Cottontail and the New England Cottontail. The Eastern Cottontail is more widespread, while the New England Cottontail is rarer and found mainly in southern parts. Start your search in fields and brushy edges.
1. What are the most common types of rabbits in Maine?
The two most common rabbit species in Maine are the Eastern Cottontail (_Sylvilagus floridanus_) and the New England Cottontail (_Sylvilagus transitionalis_). The Eastern Cottontail is far more abundant and widespread, while the New England Cottontail is a species of special concern. For a broader overview of rabbit identification, check out ourrabbit identification guide.
In Maine, 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.
2. How can you tell the difference between Eastern Cottontail and New England Cottontail?
The easiest way to separate them is by looking at the tail and ears. The Eastern Cottontail has a white tail that is visible when running, while the New England Cottontail’s tail is more grayish. Additionally, the Eastern Cottontail has longer ears (usually over 50 mm) and a black spot between the ears. For more on Maine's wildlife, see ourMaine wildlife overview.
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 Maine. 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.
3. Where and when are you most likely to see each type?
The Eastern Cottontail prefers open grasslands, farm edges, and suburban yards, and is active year-round. The New England Cottontail sticks to dense thickets, young forests, and scrubby areas, mostly in York and Cumberland counties. Best viewing times are early morning and late afternoon, especially after a light rain.
4. What are the key identification features of Maine's rabbits?
Both species have brown fur with white bellies, but the New England Cottontail is slightly smaller and has a black patch on the forehead. The Eastern Cottontail is larger with more distinct white on the tail. When in doubt, look at the ear length: if ears extend beyond the nose when folded forward, it's likely an Eastern Cottontail.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
5. Are there any other rabbit-like mammals in Maine?
The snowshoe hare (_Lepus americanus_) is often mistaken for a rabbit, but it belongs to a different family. Hares are larger, have longer legs, and turn white in winter. True rabbits in Maine do not change color. For a detailed look at rabbit vs. hare differences, visit ourtypes of rabbits in Maine page.
6. What habitats do Maine's rabbits prefer?
Both species thrive in early successional habitats with dense understory. Eastern Cottontails favor edge habitats near fields and meadows, while New England Cottontails rely on young forests with thick brush. Active forest management, such as creating brush piles, helps support rabbit populations.
7. Essential gear for rabbit watching
Once you know where to look, a few items can make your outing more comfortable. OurRabbit Tote Bagis great for carrying field guides and snacks. Show your appreciation with theVintage Rabbit Art 90s Oversized Graphic Teeor theFunny I Really Like Rabbits T-Shirt.
For more wildlife-themed apparel, browse ourt-shirts collection.
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
8. Frequently asked questions about rabbits in Maine
**Are there any other rabbit species in Maine?** The Eastern and New England cottontails are the only wild rabbits. **When do rabbits breed?** From March to September, with multiple litters. **Do rabbits hibernate?** No, they stay active all winter. **What should I do if I find a baby rabbit?** Leave it alone; the mother is likely nearby.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Frequently asked questions
1. What are the most common types of rabbits in Maine?+
The two most common rabbit species in Maine are the Eastern Cottontail (_Sylvilagus floridanus_) and the New England Cottontail (_Sylvilagus transitionalis_). The Eastern Cottontail is far more abundant and widespread, while the New England Cottontail is a species of special concern. For a broader overview of rabbit identification, check out ourrabbit identification guide. In Maine, 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.
2. How can you tell the difference between Eastern Cottontail and New England Cottontail?+
The easiest way to separate them is by looking at the tail and ears. The Eastern Cottontail has a white tail that is visible when running, while the New England Cottontail’s tail is more grayish. Additionally, the Eastern Cottontail has longer ears (usually over 50 mm) and a black spot between the ears. For more on Maine's wildlife, see ourMaine wildlife overview. 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 Maine. 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.
3. Where and when are you most likely to see each type?+
The Eastern Cottontail prefers open grasslands, farm edges, and suburban yards, and is active year-round. The New England Cottontail sticks to dense thickets, young forests, and scrubby areas, mostly in York and Cumberland counties. Best viewing times are early morning and late afternoon, especially after a light rain.
4. What are the key identification features of Maine's rabbits?+
Both species have brown fur with white bellies, but the New England Cottontail is slightly smaller and has a black patch on the forehead. The Eastern Cottontail is larger with more distinct white on the tail. When in doubt, look at the ear length: if ears extend beyond the nose when folded forward, it's likely an Eastern Cottontail. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
5. Are there any other rabbit-like mammals in Maine?+
The snowshoe hare (_Lepus americanus_) is often mistaken for a rabbit, but it belongs to a different family. Hares are larger, have longer legs, and turn white in winter. True rabbits in Maine do not change color. For a detailed look at rabbit vs. hare differences, visit ourtypes of rabbits in Maine page.
6. What habitats do Maine's rabbits prefer?+
Both species thrive in early successional habitats with dense understory. Eastern Cottontails favor edge habitats near fields and meadows, while New England Cottontails rely on young forests with thick brush. Active forest management, such as creating brush piles, helps support rabbit populations.
Keep exploring
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