11.12. Sylvilagus audubonii: Audubon’s Cottontail Rabbit http://www.ck12.org
feet. Audubon’s cottontail also has large eyes. The large ears help to keep them cool from the heat. The Audubon
cottontail rabbits have no canine teeth, though they have a space between the molars and incisors. There are six
incisors. There’s a lower pair on the jaw, a pair on top, and a second very small pair on the top just behind the long
front incisors.
Behavior
This species is not very social. They are the most active in the early morning and evening. Audubon’s cottontail
never goes far from its birthing area, and loves to burrow to keep cool. The rabbit often goes to cover when being
chased. When this species is frightened or afraid, it may freeze or run for cover. This rabbit runs in a zig-zagged
pattern.
References
- Encyclopedia of Life, http://eol.org.
- Alden, Peter.National Audubon Society Field Guide to California. New York: Knopf, 1998. Print.
- Bisacre, Michael.The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Plants and Animals. New York: Exeter, 1979. Print.
- Cooke, F., and Jenni Bruce.The Encyclopedia of Animals: A Complete Visual Guide. Berkeley: University of
California, 2004. Print. - Elbroch, Mark, and Kurt Rinehart. Behavior of North American Mammals. Boston: Houghton Mifflin
Harcourt, 2011. Print. - Howell, Bill.Two Bunnies and a Hare.Handout. Mission Trails Regional Park. San Diego, CA. n.d. Print.
- Whitaker, John O. Jr.National Audubon Society Field Guide to Mammals. New York: Knopf, 1980. Print.
- http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu
- http://www.ck12.org/biology/Evolution-of-Early-Mammals/lesson/Evolution-of-Early-Mammals/
- http://naturebytesvideo.com
- http://www.ndow.org/
- http://www.utep.edu/leb/Pleistnm/taxaMamm/Sylvilagus.htm
Attribution
Authors
- Mia Aust
- Sophia Lovell
Supervising Faculty
- Amy Huff Shah
Reviewer
- Fred Kramer, Mission Trails Regional Park, San Diego, California