Eastern Cottontail
Sylvilagus floridanus · Also known as: cottontail rabbit
Common rabbit of dune edges, shrub, and park lawns, a twilight feeder across Assateague and mainland yards.
Quick facts
| Group | Other |
|---|---|
| Likelihood nearby | ★★★★☆ |
| Habitats | Dunes, Maritime forest, Assateague State Park, Assateague National Seashore, Mainland near OC |
| Seasons (this coast) | year-round |
How to recognize them
- Brown-gray rabbit with a fluffy white “cotton” tail; large ears; hopping gait.
Biology notes
- Eats grasses and forbs; important prey for foxes, raptors, and owls.
- Nests in shallow scrapes lined with fur and grass.
Where to see them around Ocean City
- Assateague dune crossovers and campground edges at dusk.
- Ocean City and mainland grassy edges after rain or at dawn.
When to look
- Year-round; crepuscular peak.
Viewing tips & etiquette
- Freeze and watch—cottontails often resume feeding if you stay still.
