Rabbits in Oregon: identification guide and where to start looking
Yes, rabbits are common and ubiquitous throughout Oregon, from the coastal plains to the high desert of the east. Identifying them requires looking for their long ears, powerful hind legs, and short, fluffy tails. They are most active at dawn and dusk and can be found in almost every backyard and park across the state.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 2, 2026.
- 8
- species recorded
- June, May, July
- peak months
Lookalikes, source iNaturalist
How to tell a rabbit from its lookalikes in Oregon
Only one species of rabbit lives in Oregon, so the real question is telling it apart from its relatives. 6 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 Brush Rabbit, Mountain 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
5,505 verified observations on iNaturalist of rabbit have been recorded in Oregon, most often in June, May, July.
When rabbit are recorded in Oregon
Yes, rabbits are common and ubiquitous throughout Oregon, from the coastal plains to the high desert of the east. Identifying them requires looking for their long ears, powerful hind legs, and short, fluffy tails. They are most active at dawn and dusk and can be found in almost every backyard and park across the state.
What are the most common rabbit species in Oregon?
The Eastern cottontail is the most widespread and frequently seen species throughout the state. In the higher elevations and desert regions, you may also find the mountain cottontail and the desert cottontail. Both are identifiable by their signature 'cotton' tail and agile movements.
Where are the best places to see rabbits in Oregon?
Rabbits are found in almost any area with plenty of cover and green vegetation. Local parks like Forest Park in Portland and the many state parks offer excellent viewing. They are also a common sight in residential yards and along the edges of agricultural fields. Check ourOregon wildlife guidefor more location ideas.
How can you tell a cottontail apart from a jackrabbit?
Cottontails are smaller and have shorter ears and legs than jackrabbits. Jackrabbits are actually hares and are much larger with very long ears tipped with black. Cottontails prefer areas with dense cover, while jackrabbits are often seen in more open desert and grassland habitats. For more comparison, see ourrabbit identification guide.
What is the typical behavior of rabbits in Oregon?
Rabbits are highly social but also very cautious animals. They spend much of their time foraging for grasses, clover, and other plants. They are most active during the twilight hours of dawn and dusk when they feel safer from predators. They are known for their incredible speed and their ability to zig-zag to escape danger.
Rabbit-themed gifts for animal lovers
If you enjoy the sight of rabbits in your yard, you might enjoy these themed items for your home or as a gift.
Rabbit-Proof Garden Fencing []() A practical way to protect your plants while still enjoying the local wildlife. Designed to keep the rabbits out of your prize flowers. Check Price and Availability
When is the peak season for rabbits in Oregon?
Rabbits are active year-round in Oregon and do not hibernate. They are especially visible in the spring and summer during their peak breeding season when young rabbits are often seen exploring. In the winter, their tracks are a common sight in the snow as they continue to forage for food.
Are there different types of cottontails in Oregon?
Yes, while the Eastern cottontail is the most common, Oregon also hosts the mountain cottontail in the Cascades and the desert cottontail in the eastern plains. Each species is adapted to its specific environment, showing the amazing diversity of rabbits across the state's varied landscapes.
How can I attract rabbits to my Oregon yard?
Providing a mix of open lawn for foraging and dense brush piles or thickets for cover is the best way to attract rabbits. Planting clover and other favorite foods will also encourage them to visit. Avoid using harmful pesticides and provide a shallow water source to create a healthy environment for local rabbits.
What do rabbits eat in Oregon?
Rabbits in Oregon have a varied diet that includes grasses, clover, wildflowers, and the tender shoots of many plants. In the winter, they switch to eating the bark and twigs of woody plants. They are highly efficient herbivores and play an important role in the local food web across the state.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common rabbit species in Oregon?+
The Eastern cottontail is the most widespread and frequently seen species throughout the state. In the higher elevations and desert regions, you may also find the mountain cottontail and the desert cottontail. Both are identifiable by their signature 'cotton' tail and agile movements.
Where are the best places to see rabbits in Oregon?+
Rabbits are found in almost any area with plenty of cover and green vegetation. Local parks like Forest Park in Portland and the many state parks offer excellent viewing. They are also a common sight in residential yards and along the edges of agricultural fields. Check ourOregon wildlife guidefor more location ideas.
How can you tell a cottontail apart from a jackrabbit?+
Cottontails are smaller and have shorter ears and legs than jackrabbits. Jackrabbits are actually hares and are much larger with very long ears tipped with black. Cottontails prefer areas with dense cover, while jackrabbits are often seen in more open desert and grassland habitats. For more comparison, see ourrabbit identification guide.
What is the typical behavior of rabbits in Oregon?+
Rabbits are highly social but also very cautious animals. They spend much of their time foraging for grasses, clover, and other plants. They are most active during the twilight hours of dawn and dusk when they feel safer from predators. They are known for their incredible speed and their ability to zig-zag to escape danger.
When is the peak season for rabbits in Oregon?+
Rabbits are active year-round in Oregon and do not hibernate. They are especially visible in the spring and summer during their peak breeding season when young rabbits are often seen exploring. In the winter, their tracks are a common sight in the snow as they continue to forage for food.
Are there different types of cottontails in Oregon?+
Yes, while the Eastern cottontail is the most common, Oregon also hosts the mountain cottontail in the Cascades and the desert cottontail in the eastern plains. Each species is adapted to its specific environment, showing the amazing diversity of rabbits across the state's varied landscapes.
How can I attract rabbits to my Oregon yard?+
Providing a mix of open lawn for foraging and dense brush piles or thickets for cover is the best way to attract rabbits. Planting clover and other favorite foods will also encourage them to visit. Avoid using harmful pesticides and provide a shallow water source to create a healthy environment for local rabbits.
What do rabbits eat in Oregon?+
Rabbits in Oregon have a varied diet that includes grasses, clover, wildflowers, and the tender shoots of many plants. In the winter, they switch to eating the bark and twigs of woody plants. They are highly efficient herbivores and play an important role in the local food web across the state.
Keep exploring
More places to see rabbit
More wildlife in Oregon