Marsh Rabbit: where and when to see them

The marsh rabbit is a wetland-adapted cottontail of the southeastern United States, including Florida. Compared with the familiar eastern cottontail, it has shorter ears, relatively small hind feet and a less conspicuous tail. Its dark, coarse-looking coat blends into marsh vegetation. The species as a whole is widespread, but the Lower Keys marsh rabbit is a highly threatened subspecies requiring a separate conservation perspective.

Size

43–54 cm long

Weight

1.2–2.2 kg

Lifespan

Not reliably established

Status

Least Concern

Marsh rabbits are most active around dusk, at night and in early morning, often remaining concealed during the day. They use well-worn routes through dense vegetation and can move with a walking gait rather than always bounding. Water is not a strong barrier: they swim readily when escaping danger. Females build concealed nests from vegetation and fur, and young receive brief nursing visits rather than continuous attendance. Unlike many rabbit species, marsh rabbits do not typically burrow but instead create 'forms' or flattened resting places in dense vegetation. They are known for their ability to swim long distances underwater to escape predators like alligators and bobcats.

• It is a capable swimmer and may enter water to escape predators.
• It often walks through dense cover instead of using long bounding hops.
• Its tail lacks the conspicuous white flag typical of many cottontails.
• The Lower Keys marsh rabbit has a much more precarious conservation status than the species overall.

Marsh rabbits can be present year-round in Florida. November through April generally offers more comfortable walking conditions and fewer summer thunderstorms. Dawn and dusk are often better than midday, although flooding, vegetation density and local disturbance strongly affect visibility from paths. Breeding can occur year-round in Florida due to the warm climate, though it may peak in spring. Viewing is also good after cold fronts, as rabbits may be more active during the day to forage in the sun.

Freshwater marshes, wet prairies, swamp edges and dense vegetation beside ponds or canals provide cover. Some populations also occupy coastal brackish wetlands. Suitable habitat needs both feeding vegetation and sheltered ground, making heavily mown waterfronts less useful than intact wetland margins. They are often found in areas with emergent vegetation like cattails, sawgrass, and sedges. While primarily terrestrial, they are exceptional swimmers and frequently found in extremely wet environments.

Grasses, sedges and other wetland plants form the diet, including leaves, stems and tender shoots. Seasonal and local plant availability influence feeding. Like other rabbits, they reingest nutrient-rich soft droppings, allowing further recovery of nutrients produced during hindgut fermentation. In addition to herbaceous plants, marsh rabbits may consume woody vegetation such as bark and twigs, particularly in less ideal conditions. They are also known to eat berries and fruits when available in their wetland habitats.

Common name

Marsh Rabbit

Scientific name

Sylvilagus palustris

Animal group

Mammals

Size

43–54 cm long

Weight

1.2–2.2 kg

Lifespan

Not reliably established

Status

Least Concern

Identification

Short ears, small hind feet and a dark, inconspicuous tail separate it from the larger-eared eastern cottontail with its flashing white tail. Their uniformly dark brown or reddish-brown fur lacks the grizzled appearance common in other rabbit species. The marsh rabbit's compact, rounded body shape and short, powerful legs are adapted for navigating dense, wet terrain.