Peter Cottontail and friends

We rarely see rabbits anymore. Even though they are notoriously prolific, sometimes having as many as six litters in a single year, the rabbit population in our part of the world has steadily declined during the past couple of decades, primarily due to habitat loss.

Rabbits are fun and fascinating creatures. Our Eastern cottontail runs in a zig zag pattern when being chased and can run up to 18 miles an hour for at least a half mile. And his ears, acutely tuned to listen for predators, can swivel independently of one another.

So, just what is the difference between a rabbit and a hare? They are closely related but hares are larger and have bigger ears. The black tailed Jack rabbits found in the deserts of the Southwest have huge ears with visible networks of blood vessels. The ears help them cool off by dissipating the heat.

At the other extreme, the snowshoe hare has much smaller ears – but bigger feet. Stiff hairs cover the pads of the feet, essentially creating a snowshoe surface that makes it easier for them to travel quickly across the snow. These hares are rusty brown during the warm months but when daylight hours shorten, they begin to turn white except for the black tipped ears which remain dark.

Probably the cutest rabbit in the country is the pygmy rabbit, which weighs under one pound and is only 9 – 11 inches long. This is native to the Pacific Northwest and the Mountain west regions.

Rabbits have always been associated with luck, both good and bad. Carrying a rabbit foot was thought to bring good luck – unless you’re the rabbit. And, saying “rabbit” three times on the last day of the month is also thought to bring good luck. However, fishermen believe that if anyone mentions a rabbit, the day’s catch will be poor.

If you remember Beatrix Potter’s charming stories, you’ll remember that Peter Rabbit could just not stay away from Mr. McGregor’s garden. And, though he got away, he lost his shoes and his new blue coat in the process. I sort of envy Mr. McGregor. Even though I know I might lose a few carrots and lettuce leaves, I would welcome Peter and his friends back to my garden!