You’ve probably heard of alligators, turtles, and snakes living in swamps. But what about swamp bunnies? It’s true, rabbits can live in swamps too.​

Swamp rabbits are the largest rabbits in the cottontail family. They weigh three to six pounds and grow from 16 to 22 inches long. Males are usually bigger than females.​

To keep them waterproof in the swamp, these bunnies have thick, dense fur. It is dark brown and black, with white accents at their throats and tails. They also have cinnamon-colored circles around their eyes.​

Swamp rabbits live in the south-central areas of the United States. They make their homes in cypress swamps and along rivers and creeks. They also live near lowlands and floodplains. ​

Because they are hunted by alligators, coyotes, and snakes, swamp rabbits have to stay hidden. They take cover in stumps and fallen trees and only come out when it’s dark to find food. When they do emerge to forage for food, they look for grass, shrubs, and tree bark. Like other rabbits, they are herbivores. ​

All swamp rabbits breed at the same time. This phenomenon is called synchronous breeding, and it happens between February and August. The bunnies make nests on the ground out of grass and twigs. They build their nests under bushes or inside logs. ​

Female swamp rabbits give birth to up to six babies at a time. The babies open their eyes in four to seven days. They leave the nest after two weeks. Swamp rabbit moms have two or three litters every year.​​

Luckily, swamp rabbits aren’t endangered. They live from 1-9 years. If you visit a waterway in the south, you just might see one yourself! ​