2 Types of Rabbits in Vermont
Vermont is home to two main wild rabbit species: the eastern cottontail and the rare New England cottontail. Start by focusing on the eastern cottontail, which is far more common. If you're in southern Vermont or near the Connecticut River, you might also spot the native New England cottontail.
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
- February, June, May
- peak months
Verified species, source iNaturalist
2 types of rabbits recorded in Vermont
2 rabbit species have a verified observation record in Vermont 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 2 shown is recorded as introduced to Vermont rather than native.
1
2
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
2,320 verified observations on iNaturalist of rabbit have been recorded in Vermont, most often in February, June, May.
When rabbit are recorded in Vermont
Vermont is home to two main wild rabbit species: the eastern cottontail and the rare New England cottontail. Start by focusing on the eastern cottontail, which is far more common. If you're in southern Vermont or near the Connecticut River, you might also spot the native New England cottontail.
1. What types of rabbits live in Vermont?
Vermont has two native rabbit species. The eastern cottontail is the most common and found statewide. The New England cottontail is rarer, restricted to southern and eastern parts of the state. Both look similar, but the New England cottontail has a smaller range and is a species of conservation concern. You may also see snowshoe hares, but those are hares, not true rabbits.
2. How can you identify eastern cottontails vs. New England cottontails?
The best way to tell them apart is by range and subtle physical traits. Eastern cottontails have a white tail with a white underside, longer ears (often over 2.5 inches), and a more rusty brown nape. New England cottontails have shorter ears (under 2.5 inches) and a darker, more uniform brown back with a black spot between the ears. Range is the easiest clue: if you're in central or northern Vermont, it's almost certainly an eastern cottontail.
3. Where and when are you most likely to see each type?
Eastern cottontails thrive in brushy fields, woodland edges, and suburban yards statewide. Look for them at dawn and dusk. New England cottontails prefer young forests with dense understory, especially in windthrow areas or powerline cuts. They are most active early morning. Winter tracking is easier: look for their distinctive bounding tracks in snow. For the best odds, focus on southern Vermont's Windham and Bennington counties for New England cottontails.
4. What is the best time of year to spot rabbits in Vermont?
Rabbits are active year-round, but spring and fall offer the best viewing. In early spring, they feed heavily on new green growth and are often seen along road edges. Fall brings a second breeding peak, and you'll see more young rabbits. Winter is good for tracking after fresh snow. Their breeding season runs from March to September, so you'll see more activity then.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
5. Show off your rabbit spotting with wildlife shirts
After a day in the field, why not wear your love for rabbits? Easy Street Markets has a selection of rabbit-themed t-shirts that make great conversation starters. Here are a few top picks:
Vintage Rabbit Art 90s Oversize Graphic Tee
This oversized tee features a nostalgic rabbit art design. It's comfortable and perfect for casual wear or as a gift.Check Price and Availability
Funny I Really Like Rabbits T-Shirt
A lighthearted shirt that says it all. Great for rabbit fans.Check Price and Availability
Bunny T-Shirt
Simple and cute bunny design from Peaceful Dreams. Comfortable for everyday wear.Check Price and Availability
For more rabbit-inspired gear, check out ourfull collection of rabbit shirts.
See ourCompare wildlife shirtsfor the next step.
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
6. Plan your Vermont rabbit viewing trip
Use our travel widget to find hotels, guides, and gear for your Vermont rabbit-watching adventure. It pulls in top-rated options near the best habitats. You can also explore ourVermont wildlife hubfor more on other species like deer and foxes, or dive into ourrabbit animal hubfor identification tips and fun facts.
If you're heading out, consider a stop at theVermont Institute of Natural Scienceto learn more about rabbit conservation.
7. Are there any other rabbit species in Vermont?
Occasionally, domestic rabbits escape or are released, but they rarely survive long in the wild. The two main species to know are the eastern cottontail and the New England cottontail. Snowshoe hares are sometimes mistaken for rabbits but are actually lagomorphs with larger hind feet and seasonal white fur.
8. Why are New England cottontails so rare in Vermont?
New England cottontails need young forest habitat that is constantly disturbed by fire, beavers, or logging. Modern development and fire suppression have reduced this habitat, pushing them to a few isolated pockets in southern Vermont. Conservation groups are working to restore shrublands and early-successional forests.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Frequently asked questions
1. What types of rabbits live in Vermont?+
Vermont has two native rabbit species. The eastern cottontail is the most common and found statewide. The New England cottontail is rarer, restricted to southern and eastern parts of the state. Both look similar, but the New England cottontail has a smaller range and is a species of conservation concern. You may also see snowshoe hares, but those are hares, not true rabbits.
2. How can you identify eastern cottontails vs. New England cottontails?+
The best way to tell them apart is by range and subtle physical traits. Eastern cottontails have a white tail with a white underside, longer ears (often over 2.5 inches), and a more rusty brown nape. New England cottontails have shorter ears (under 2.5 inches) and a darker, more uniform brown back with a black spot between the ears. Range is the easiest clue: if you're in central or northern Vermont, it's almost certainly an eastern cottontail.
3. Where and when are you most likely to see each type?+
Eastern cottontails thrive in brushy fields, woodland edges, and suburban yards statewide. Look for them at dawn and dusk. New England cottontails prefer young forests with dense understory, especially in windthrow areas or powerline cuts. They are most active early morning. Winter tracking is easier: look for their distinctive bounding tracks in snow. For the best odds, focus on southern Vermont's Windham and Bennington counties for New England cottontails.
4. What is the best time of year to spot rabbits in Vermont?+
Rabbits are active year-round, but spring and fall offer the best viewing. In early spring, they feed heavily on new green growth and are often seen along road edges. Fall brings a second breeding peak, and you'll see more young rabbits. Winter is good for tracking after fresh snow. Their breeding season runs from March to September, so you'll see more activity then. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
7. Are there any other rabbit species in Vermont?+
Occasionally, domestic rabbits escape or are released, but they rarely survive long in the wild. The two main species to know are the eastern cottontail and the New England cottontail. Snowshoe hares are sometimes mistaken for rabbits but are actually lagomorphs with larger hind feet and seasonal white fur.
8. Why are New England cottontails so rare in Vermont?+
New England cottontails need young forest habitat that is constantly disturbed by fire, beavers, or logging. Modern development and fire suppression have reduced this habitat, pushing them to a few isolated pockets in southern Vermont. Conservation groups are working to restore shrublands and early-successional forests. See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Keep exploring
More places to see rabbit
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