Rabbits in South Dakota in May
Yes, May is one of the best months to see rabbits in South Dakota. It is the 2nd busiest month of the year, with 220 of the 1,215 sightings logged across the year (18.1%), based on verified iNaturalist records.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
Peak month for rabbits in South Dakota
18.1%
of yearly sightings
220
records in May
#2
busiest month of 12
1,215
verified records a year
April 8.3%, May 18.1%, June 23.7%. Busiest month is June at 23.7%.
1,215 verified observations of rabbits in South Dakota, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When rabbits are recorded in South Dakota
Peak month
June
288 records (23.7% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 18 | 1.5% |
| February | 10 | 0.8% |
| March | 23 | 1.9% |
| April | 101 | 8.3% |
| Maypeak | 220 | 18.1% |
| Junepeak | 288 | 23.7% |
| Julypeak | 213 | 17.5% |
| August | 149 | 12.3% |
| September | 102 | 8.4% |
| October | 38 | 3.1% |
| November | 23 | 1.9% |
| December | 30 | 2.5% |
Rabbits you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Eastern Cottontail | 489 |
| Desert Cottontail | 231 |
| Mountain Cottontail | 154 |
| White-tailed Jackrabbit | 60 |
| European Rabbit | 3 |
| Snowshoe Hare | 1 |
In South Dakota, May carries 18.1% of the year's rabbits sightings, about 9.8 points above an even month-to-month split. That makes it the 2nd busiest of the twelve months, out of 12 months with recorded activity.
Activity is rising from April (8.3%) into May, and it heads toward June (23.7%) after. This is right inside the peak window, so May is one of the surest months to plan a trip around.
The rabbits most often recorded in South Dakota are Eastern Cottontail, Desert Cottontail and Mountain Cottontail. Those counts are annual totals rather than a May split, so treat them as which species you are likely to encounter, while the month figures above show how many sightings fall in May itself.
Which rabbits you are most likely to see
- Eastern Cottontail489 records
- Desert Cottontail231 records
- Mountain Cottontail154 records
- White-tailed Jackrabbit60 records
- European Rabbit3 records
- Snowshoe Hare1 records
Plan your rabbit trip in South Dakota
Start with live tours near Badlands National Park, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.
GetYourGuide
Live tours nearbySee live tours near Badlands National Park
Use the live GetYourGuide widget to compare local departures and activity styles close to the main rabbit viewing area.
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Stay nearbyStay near Badlands National Park
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best rabbit viewing area in South Dakota.
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Broader backupBook a rabbit tour in South Dakota
Compare guided wildlife tours, boat trips and nature experiences if you want a second travel network beyond the live widget.
Frequently asked questions
Can you see rabbits in South Dakota in May?+
Yes. May accounts for 220 of the 1,215 verified rabbits sightings logged in South Dakota across the year, which is 18.1% of the annual total.
Is May a good time to see rabbits in South Dakota?+
May is one of the best months. It ranks 2nd of the year and sits inside the peak window of June, May and July.
What month is best for rabbits in South Dakota?+
June is the single busiest month, with the broader peak running through June, May and July, based on 1,215 verified observations.
Which rabbits are you most likely to see in South Dakota?+
The most-recorded species in South Dakota are Eastern Cottontail, Desert Cottontail and Mountain Cottontail, based on all-time iNaturalist counts.
See rabbits in South Dakota in other months
More wildlife in South Dakota