Rabbit

Two species of Arkansas rabbits - the eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus) and the swamp rabbit (S. aquaticus) occur throughout the state

The eastern cottontail is a medium-sized mammal with long ears; large hind legs; shorter front legs; a short, fluffy white tail; and soft fur. The upper parts are grayish- to reddish-brown, coarsely peppered with black; the underparts are grayish white; the tops of the hind feet are tan to whitish; and the nape of the neck is bright rusty red. Individuals are 10 to 19 inches in length and weigh 1½ to 3½ pounds.

The swamp rabbit is similar in appearance to the cottontail but is considerably larger and darker. Its ears are relatively shorter and rounder than the cottontail's; the hind feet are reddish-brown above; and the nape of the neck is only slightly reddish. Small swamp rabbits are about the size of the largest cottontails, ranging in length from 18-22 inches and weighing 2½ to 6½ pounds.

Eastern cottontails are the most abundant small game animals in Arkansas, but numbers may vary widely from year to year depending on habitat availability, weather, disease and other factors.

Swamp rabbits occur statewide but are generally scarce in upland regions. They are locally abundant along the Illinois, White and Black Rivers in the Ozarks, and more common in the Delta and Gulf Coastal Plains bottoms.