Habitat: Mountains of the west through the Transition and Canadian Life Zones. Seldom found below the pines.
Description: The “powder puff” tail is the best field characteristic by which to recognize this rabbit, usually the only cottontail in its range at the elevations given above. It is one of the largest of its kind, averaging 12 to 14 inches in total length with the tail less than 2 inches long. Average weights run from 1½ to 3 pounds. Ears are relatively short and wide for a cottontail. Color varies somewhat with relation to habitat, but in general it is gray with a faint yellowish tinge. Darkest areas are about the back and upper sides; under parts are light to almost white. The winter coat is heavier than the summer, but much the same color. The underside of the tail is the cottony white so well known to city and country dwellers alike. From the scanty records available on the number of young it would seem that three to four constitute the average litter. Perhaps the higher elevations at which they live keep them free from many of the predators to which their lowland cousins succumb, and thus they are able to maintain their numbers with smaller families.
Though often found in the depths of the forest, these shy rabbits prefer to live in the brushy thickets that border high mountain meadows and line the streams. There, in true cottontail fashion, they venture into the open to feed, always ready at the first sign of danger to scurry back to safety under tangled branches. Once fairly entered into the maze of paths that they alone know, there is little danger of capture. There they can count themselves safe from further pursuit by the larger predators and have a distinct advantage over those their own size or smaller. Although so clever at turning and doubling back in their chosen refuges, they seldom use much evasive action when surprised in the open. Their first thought seems to be to reach cover in the straightest possible line, and as a consequence many are snapped up by predators who not only rely on this behavior but often gain the advantage of a surprise attack as well.
Food habits are much the same as those of other cottontails, modified to some extent by the different plant associations with which they are found. In summer, tender grasses and herbs are the favorite fare, but in winter when deep snow isolates them from even the taller herbs, these adaptable animals turn to bark and such small twigs as meet their taste. At this time even the tips of conifer twigs are often eaten. Access to this food, which during the summer is usually out of reach, is facilitated by the growth of long hair on the bottom of the feet, especially on the hind feet. Though these seasonal “snowshoes” do not approach those of the Arctic hare in size, they serve very well to support the lighter cottontails as they move over the soft surface. They are especially useful when the animal stands on its hind feet to reach some inviting bit that would be out of reach in the normal crouching position. During this operation it reaches for food with the mouth alone; the forepaws cannot be used to gather food, but hang loosely in front of the body as an aid to balance.
mountain cottontail
This inability to grasp or handle objects with the front feet is characteristic of all those animals which in the United States we call “rabbits.” Though here included with the rodents, the jackrabbits, snowshoe hares, and cottontails all lack the dexterity with the forepaws with which the rest of the group is endowed. The structure of the bones is much like that of the ungulates in that the feet cannot be turned sideways. Thus front legs are used mainly for running, digging, and washing the face and ears, a procedure much like that employed by domestic cats, except that it is carried out with the sides of the paws rather than the insides of the wrists as Tabby does.
Though it lives in a different habitat than other closely related species, the mountain cottontail shares many of their habits. It is a nocturnal animal, seldom seen at large except at dusk or in early morning hours. During the greater part of the day it seeks refuge under some brush pile or deep in the recesses of the slide rock. On occasion it will make itself a form in long grass or under a shrub, but usually prefers more substantial protection. In areas which are being logged, cottontails are quick to take advantage of the shelter offered by huge piles of limbs and debris left by loggers. Later in the season, when the piles are burned, it is not unusual to see as many as three or four cottontails scurry from one pile.
Nests for rearing the young are not of such great concern to these rabbits. Perhaps they instinctively choose places where an enemy would never expect to find them. Many are mere hollows in tall grass or shallow burrows in an accumulation of pine needles. They are lined with soft grasses or needles and hair which the mother pulls from her own body. More hair and grass fibers are cleverly matted together to form a loosely woven blanket which she pulls over the nest when she leaves. It is arranged with such cunning and blends so well with the surrounding that unless one sees the rabbit leave it is only by accident a nest is discovered. The three to five young are born blind and naked, but thrive so well in the warm nest that in about a month they are fully furred and able to leave. At this age they are extremely playful little creatures, often indulging in a game much like tag, although to a human observer it is never quite clear just who is “It.”
In this connection it is interesting to note than among the “hunted” mammals the play spirit is usually manifested by running games in which there is little if any physical contact. By contrast, the young of predators indulge in wrestling games featuring use of teeth and claws, often beyond the point where fun ceases and anger begins.