Appalachian Cottontail (Paperback)

Please note that the content of this book primarily consists of articles available from Wikipedia or other free sources online. The Appalachian cottontail, or Allegheny cottontail or wood rabbit (Sylvilagus obscurus) is a species of cottontail rabbit in the Leporidae family. It is a rare species found in fragmented upland areas of conifers and dense cover in the eastern United States from New York to Tennessee to Alabama. Its appearance and habits are similar to the eastern cottontail. It diets on green plants in the summer and woody plants in the winter. It is unique among cottontails in that it will consume the needles of conifers. Gestation is about 28 days with about 5 young per litter which are independent at 16 days. Enemies include foxes, coyotes, and bobcats, and the species probably harbors fleas and ticks. The Appalachian cottontail is rare and conservationists recommend further study of the species with an emphasis on nest sites, dispersal, habitat, use of corridors, and response to climactic change.