Animal identifier ยท Other mammals
Sylvilagus floridanus
Eastern and central U.S. into the Plains and parts of the Southwest. Hind tracks are long paired prints, front tracks are two small dots ahead or between.
What does a eastern cottontail look like?
Brown-gray rabbit, white cotton tail, shorter ears than a jackrabbit.
What do eastern cottontail tracks look like?
Two long hind feet side by side, two small front feet staggered. In snow this is the usual backyard trail.
- Hind tracks are long paired prints, front tracks are two small dots ahead or between
- Hopping pattern is the classic Y or triangle
- Pellets are round, pea-sized, fibrous
- White tail puff if seen
- No long black ear tips
What does eastern cottontail poop look like?
Round pea-sized pellets, often a small pile in a lawn or garden. Do not handle droppings. Several species carry parasites that stay in the soil around a latrine.
Where you find it
Eastern and central U.S. into the Plains and parts of the Southwest. Typical places: yard, field, woods. Year-round.
What to do next
- Garden fencing works better than removal
- Nests in lawns are often fine if left alone
This page is a field guide, not a permit to approach wildlife. If an animal is injured, aggressive, or inside a house, call a local wildlife officer.
Animals it is confused with
- Black-tailed jackrabbit identification
- All animal identification pages
- Identify an animal from a photo, track, or description
What do rabbit tracks look like?
Two long hind prints side by side and two smaller front prints, in a hopping group.
What does rabbit poop look like?
Small round dry pellets, about the size of a pea.
How to tell a eastern cottontail from similar animals
Use the track, the dropping, and the place together. One print is not enough.
- Black-tailed jackrabbit. Same pattern as cottontail, scaled up, with longer bounds. Long ears, long legs, black stripe on the tail.
Eastern cottontail field marks
- Hind tracks are long paired prints, front tracks are two small dots ahead or between
- Hopping pattern is the classic Y or triangle
- Pellets are round, pea-sized, fibrous
- White tail puff if seen
Where the sign shows up
Eastern and central U.S. into the Plains and parts of the Southwest. Typical places: yard, field, woods. Year-round.
Two long hind feet side by side, two small front feet staggered. In snow this is the usual backyard trail. Round pea-sized pellets, often a small pile in a lawn or garden.
Common questions
What do rabbit tracks look like?
Two long hind prints side by side and two smaller front prints, in a hopping group.
What does rabbit poop look like?
Small round dry pellets, about the size of a pea.