Wild Wednesday – Rabbit
Wild rabbits are a familiar sight across the UK and here in West Sussex you'll often spot them darting through grasslands, farmland, nature reserves and even the edges of our parks.
As classic prey animals, rabbits rely on their speed, sharp eyesight and excellent hearing to stay one hop ahead of predators. In fact, they'll almost always spot you long before you notice them!
Did you know?
- the nickname “cottontail” comes from their short, fluffy white tail
- an adult rabbit is around 16.5 inches long and weighs roughly three pounds, with females usually a little heavier
- by standing tall on their hind legs, rabbits can scan for danger over long distances
- they tend to hide away during the day and emerge at dusk or night to feed
- although they live for four to five years, most wild rabbits only average around 11 months due to natural predators
- speaking of predators - rabbits need to be fast! They can reach speeds of up to 18 miles per hour, helping them escape hawks, owls and foxes
A curious natural habit …
This bit may not be glamorous, but it's important! Rabbits spend much of the day underground resting and producing soft droppings, which they eat to extract extra nutrients. Their harder, pellet‑like droppings are left above ground in a designated “latrine” area.
Breeding season in West Sussex
From mid‑March to early September, wild rabbits begin to nest. A single doe can have three to eight 'kits' per litter, and as many as five litters in one season. With a pregnancy lasting just around 30 days, rabbits reproduce quickly - one reason they're so common across our countryside.
Their young are born in shallow burrows or nests lined with the mother's fur and covered with grass for warmth and camouflage.
Home sweet warren
Rabbits create underground tunnel systems called warrens, with separate chambers for sleeping and nesting. These warrens often have several entrances, giving rabbits a fast escape route if danger appears.
Rabbits enjoy a tasty mix of clover, dandelions, grasses, roots, fruits, fungi and seeds and in the winter, tree bark and twigs. A varied diet keeps them healthy and full of essential vitamins and like us, they need plenty of water, especially during our hot summer spells.
For more fascinating rabbit facts, take a look here: Rabbit | The Wildlife Trusts