Types of Rabbits in Mississippi

1. What are the most common types of rabbits in Mississippi?

Mississippi has three main rabbit species you are likely to see. The most common is the Eastern Cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus). You will also find the Swamp Rabbit (Sylvilagus aquaticus) in wet areas and the Marsh Rabbit (Sylvilagus palustris) near the coast. Start with the Eastern Cottontail, since it shows up in backyards, fields, and roadsides across the state. For a full list, see ourrabbit types in Mississippiguide.

2. How can you tell Eastern Cottontail from Swamp Rabbit?

The quickest way to separate an Eastern Cottontail from a Swamp Rabbit is to look at the tail and face. Eastern Cottontails have a bright white, fluffy tail, a white forehead spot, and relatively short ears. Swamp Rabbits have a less distinct tail (often brownish below), no forehead spot, and longer ears that measure over 3 inches. Swamp Rabbits also have dark brown or blackish fur on the back, while cottontails are more reddish-brown.

3. Where and when are you most likely to spot each rabbit type?

All rabbits are most active at dawn and dusk. For Eastern Cottontails, check brushy fields, forest edges, and suburban lots. Swamp Rabbits stick to bottomlands, cypress swamps, and along bayous. Marsh Rabbits prefer the Gulf Coast marshes and are excellent swimmers. The best odds for seeing a Swamp Rabbit are near flooded timber or along slow-moving streams. For more on Mississippi wildlife, visit ourMississippi wildlife page.

4. What does a Swamp Rabbit look like compared to a Marsh Rabbit?

Marsh Rabbits look similar to Swamp Rabbits but are smaller (about 2 lbs vs 4-6 lbs) and have a shorter, more rounded ear. Their fur is dark brown to almost black, and they lack the white tail entirely. Swamp Rabbits have a brownish tail that you rarely see. If you are in a coastal marsh with standing water, you are looking at Marsh Rabbits. In inland swamps and river bottoms, you have Swamp Rabbits.

See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.

5. Are there any other rabbit species in Mississippi?

Rarely, you may encounter the Appalachian Cottontail (Sylvilagus obscurus) in the northeastern corner of the state, but its range just barely dips into Mississippi. The Appalachian Cottontail looks very similar to the Eastern Cottontail but has a small black spot between the ears. Most sightings in that region turn out to be Eastern Cottontails. For more details on all species, check ourrabbit hub page.

6. Where to see rabbits in Mississippi

Look for rabbits in Mississippi's national wildlife refuges, state parks, and WMAs. The Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge offers good Eastern Cottontail and Swamp Rabbit habitat. The Pascagoula River area is excellent for Marsh Rabbits. Use the widget above to compare lodging and travel options near prime rabbit areas.