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	Rabbits

Eastern Cottontail Rabbits
-by Dennis M. Ferraro Extension Educator Douglas/Sarpy Extension Unit

These cute little creatures feed on almost anything that grows. They eat flowers and vegetables as well as small shrubs and trees.
Due to relatively mild weather conditions during the past few years coupled with reduction of rabbits' natural enemies in urban areas, the rabbit population has increased greatly. In the spring and summer, female rabbits give birth to litters of six to eight bunnies. A female rabbit is capable of being impregnated 48 hours after giving birth.
Adult rabbits usually hide during the day and come out to feed at night. They usually devour the whole plant or cut it down to its base. Their feeding marks on young shrubs and trees generally are horizontal and slanted, as well as close to the base of the plant. Marks left by squirrels will be more vertical and higher on the plant.
Feeding damage isn't the only problem caused by rabbits. Before giving birth, females dig small depressions in the middle of lawns or flowerbeds. These nests are about the size of grapefruits and usually covered with grass and fur. There are no poison baits registered for use against rabbits in Nebraska. There are, however, numerous rabbit repellents registered for this purpose as well as many popular remedies. Most repellents give limited results. Repellents sprayed directly on food sources are the most effective.
The best deterrent for rabbit damage is a good fence. It should have holes less than half an inch in diameter. The bottom of the fence should be buried four to six inches beneath the soil surface. The top should be 18 to 24 inches above the ground. The fence should be sufficiently supported so that rabbits can't push it down.