(Sylvilagus audubonii)
Desert Cottontail Rabbit
![Desert Cottontail Rabbit Desert Cottontail Rabbit](https://static.spacecrafted.com/b94bfda83f544525a48c817467059ae9/i/bc74dc3670204040a2355ba913bb32dd/1/GCuCv726gZycFxatRCb7iU/b1.jpg)
size
Max Length: 14 in.
Max Weight: 2 lbs.
Native: Yes
The only rabbit species found in Orange County, Desert Cottontails can be identified by their cotton ball like tail. You will find them foraging for grass in many open/low brush areas of Orange County although their population seems to have declined greatly in OC in recent years. The lifespan of these rabbits is only around 2 years or less because they are heavily predated on by many other animals like hawks, eagles, owls, coyotes, bobcats, and mountain lions. They make up for this by having a fast reproductive rate, giving birth to 1-6 babies at a time. Their gestation period is only about 1 month and are able to have several litters per year.
![Desert cottontail rabbit in Black Star Canyon Desert Cottontail Rabbit](https://static.spacecrafted.com/b94bfda83f544525a48c817467059ae9/i/d198baaff70540f9b99a7ad7c8398a0e/1/4SoifmQpDrHbZJ6Vx7NT6/rabbit%201%20oc.jpg)
![Desert cottontail rabbit Desert Cottontail Rabbit](https://static.spacecrafted.com/b94bfda83f544525a48c817467059ae9/i/f029dddb7d924fc184d152a722cd14dc/1/4SoifmQpDrHbZJ6Vx7NT6/rabbit%201.jpg)