6 Types of Rabbits in Oregon
Oregon is home to several rabbit and hare species, including the pygmy rabbit, snowshoe hare, mountain cottontail, and black-tailed jackrabbit. The most widespread is the mountain cottontail, found across most of the state except the coast and higher Cascades. Start with open sagebrush or forest edges for best odds.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 7, 2026.
- 8
- species recorded
- June, May, July
- peak months
Verified species, source iNaturalist
6 types of rabbits recorded in Oregon
6 rabbit species have a verified observation record in Oregon 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.
2 of the 6 shown are recorded as introduced to Oregon rather than native.
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Plus 3 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
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
Oregon is home to several rabbit and hare species, including the pygmy rabbit, snowshoe hare, mountain cottontail, and black-tailed jackrabbit. The most widespread is the mountain cottontail, found across most of the state except the coast and higher Cascades. Start with open sagebrush or forest edges for best odds.
1. What are the most common types of rabbits in Oregon?
Oregon hosts four main rabbit and hare species. The **mountain cottontail** (*Sylvilagus nuttallii*) is the most widespread, living in sagebrush and rimrock. The **pygmy rabbit** (*Brachylagus idahoensis*) is the smallest, restricted to sagebrush plains in the southeast. The **snowshoe hare** (*Lepus americanus*) lives in high-elevation conifer forests and turns white in winter. The **black-tailed jackrabbit** (*Lepus californicus*) is a hare found in dry valleys east of the Cascades.
2. How can you tell apart the main rabbit species in Oregon?
Focus on size, ear length, and tail color. Mountain cottontails have a rusty patch on the nape and a fluffy white tail. Pygmy rabbits are about the size of a fist, with short ears and no white tail. Snowshoe hares have big hind feet and a pure white winter coat. Black-tailed jackrabbits are large, with long black-tipped ears and a black stripe on top of the tail. See ourrabbit identification hubfor side-by-side comparisons.
3. Where and when is each rabbit type most likely to be seen?
Mountain cottontails are active year-round at dawn and dusk in brushy draws. Pygmy rabbits are most visible in winter when they sit at burrow entrances, but they are rare: look in Lake County juniper-sage habitat. Snowshoe hares are active at night in Cascade fir forests, best spotted in early morning along logging roads. Black-tailed jackrabbits forage in open grasslands in the Willamette Valley and high desert, often seen during dry summers. For detailed region maps, visit ourOregon wildlife guide.
4. What habitat does each rabbit species prefer?
Mountain cottontails favor rocky slopes with sagebrush or bitterbrush. Pygmy rabbits dig burrows in dense sagebrush stands. Snowshoe hares need understory cover like young conifers or willow thickets. Black-tailed jackrabbits prefer shortgrass prairies and alfalfa fields. If you're exploring the sage-steppe, check yourOregon rabbit types pagefor site-specific tips.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
5. Are there any rare or special rabbit species in Oregon?
The pygmy rabbit is a state sensitive species and a spotter's prize. Its population is small and fragmented. The snowshoe hare is common in the mountains but rarely seen due to its secretive habits. No other rabbit species are currently threatened in Oregon, but habitat loss pressures some populations. Always practice responsible wildlife viewing: keep distance and avoid flushing.
6. What's the best time of year to see rabbits in Oregon?
Late winter and early spring offer the best odds, before dense vegetation hides them. Snowshoe hares are easiest to see in fall and winter when their white coat contrasts with bare ground. Pygmy rabbits are easiest in winter when tracks and burrows are visible. Summer heat makes rabbits more nocturnal, so plan early morning trips. Use the interactive travel tool below to find local hotspots:
8. Where can I find rabbit-themed gear for my next outing?
After a successful rabbit spotting trip, bring the memory home with comfort-fit shirts or a playful tote. The **Vintage Rabbit Art 90s Oversize Graphic Tee** is a soft, aesthetic pick for everyday wear. For a fun conversation starter, try the **Funny I Really Like Rabbits T-Shirt**. If you prefer a more educational design, the **Anatomy of The Bunny T-Shirt** shows rabbit parts clearly. And the **Rabbit Tote Bag** is perfect for carrying field guides or snacks. All available from ourwildlife shirt collection.
Vintage Rabbit Art 90s Oversize Graphic Tee
A comfortable, one-of-a-kind vintage rabbit art shirt that looks great on the trail or in town.Check Price and Availability
Funny I Really Like Rabbits T-Shirt
A lighthearted tee that declares your love for rabbits at an affordable price.Check Price and Availability
Anatomy of The Bunny T-Shirt
Perfect for rabbit enthusiasts who want a detailed, educational design.Check Price and Availability
Rabbit Tote Bag
A fun, colorful tote for carrying your spotter notebook or farmers' market finds.Check Price and Availability
9. Frequently Asked Questions about Oregon Rabbits
**Do rabbits live in the Oregon Coast Range?** Mountain cottontails are rare there; the coast is mostly too wet. Snowshoe hares occur in the Coast Range's higher elevations. **Can I see pygmy rabbits in Oregon?** Yes, but only in remote sagebrush habitat of Lake and Harney counties. **Are jackrabbits true rabbits?** No, they are hares with longer legs and ears. For more questions, browse ourrabbit species overvieworOregon wildlife page.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Frequently asked questions
1. What are the most common types of rabbits in Oregon?+
Oregon hosts four main rabbit and hare species. The **mountain cottontail** (*Sylvilagus nuttallii*) is the most widespread, living in sagebrush and rimrock. The **pygmy rabbit** (*Brachylagus idahoensis*) is the smallest, restricted to sagebrush plains in the southeast. The **snowshoe hare** (*Lepus americanus*) lives in high-elevation conifer forests and turns white in winter. The **black-tailed jackrabbit** (*Lepus californicus*) is a hare found in dry valleys east of the Cascades.
2. How can you tell apart the main rabbit species in Oregon?+
Focus on size, ear length, and tail color. Mountain cottontails have a rusty patch on the nape and a fluffy white tail. Pygmy rabbits are about the size of a fist, with short ears and no white tail. Snowshoe hares have big hind feet and a pure white winter coat. Black-tailed jackrabbits are large, with long black-tipped ears and a black stripe on top of the tail. See ourrabbit identification hubfor side-by-side comparisons.
3. Where and when is each rabbit type most likely to be seen?+
Mountain cottontails are active year-round at dawn and dusk in brushy draws. Pygmy rabbits are most visible in winter when they sit at burrow entrances, but they are rare: look in Lake County juniper-sage habitat. Snowshoe hares are active at night in Cascade fir forests, best spotted in early morning along logging roads. Black-tailed jackrabbits forage in open grasslands in the Willamette Valley and high desert, often seen during dry summers. For detailed region maps, visit ourOregon wildlife guide.
4. What habitat does each rabbit species prefer?+
Mountain cottontails favor rocky slopes with sagebrush or bitterbrush. Pygmy rabbits dig burrows in dense sagebrush stands. Snowshoe hares need understory cover like young conifers or willow thickets. Black-tailed jackrabbits prefer shortgrass prairies and alfalfa fields. If you're exploring the sage-steppe, check yourOregon rabbit types pagefor site-specific tips. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
5. Are there any rare or special rabbit species in Oregon?+
The pygmy rabbit is a state sensitive species and a spotter's prize. Its population is small and fragmented. The snowshoe hare is common in the mountains but rarely seen due to its secretive habits. No other rabbit species are currently threatened in Oregon, but habitat loss pressures some populations. Always practice responsible wildlife viewing: keep distance and avoid flushing.
6. What's the best time of year to see rabbits in Oregon?+
Late winter and early spring offer the best odds, before dense vegetation hides them. Snowshoe hares are easiest to see in fall and winter when their white coat contrasts with bare ground. Pygmy rabbits are easiest in winter when tracks and burrows are visible. Summer heat makes rabbits more nocturnal, so plan early morning trips. Use the interactive travel tool below to find local hotspots:
8. Where can I find rabbit-themed gear for my next outing?+
After a successful rabbit spotting trip, bring the memory home with comfort-fit shirts or a playful tote. The **Vintage Rabbit Art 90s Oversize Graphic Tee** is a soft, aesthetic pick for everyday wear. For a fun conversation starter, try the **Funny I Really Like Rabbits T-Shirt**. If you prefer a more educational design, the **Anatomy of The Bunny T-Shirt** shows rabbit parts clearly. And the **Rabbit Tote Bag** is perfect for carrying field guides or snacks. All available from ourwildlife shirt collection. ### Vintage Rabbit Art 90s Oversize Graphic Tee A comfortable, one-of-a-kind vintage rabbit art shirt that looks great on the trail or in town.Check Price and Availability ### Funny I Really Like Rabbits T-Shirt A lighthearted tee that declares your love for rabbits at an affordable price.Check Price and Availability ### Anatomy of The Bunny T-Shirt Perfect for rabbit enthusiasts who want a detailed, educational design.Check Price and Availability ### Rabbit Tote Bag A fun, colorful tote for carrying your spotter notebook or farmers' market finds.Check Price and Availability
Keep exploring
More places to see rabbit
More wildlife in Oregon