What kind of rabbits live in Washington State?
Washington State is home to eight of these species—six native species: Nuttall’s Cottontail, Pygmy Rabbit, Pika, Snowshoe Hare, Black-tailed Jackrabbit and White-tailed Jackrabbit and two non-native or introduced species: Eastern Cottontail and Domestic Rabbit.
Are there rabbits in Washington state?
Rabbits can be found throughout the state — from the backyards of suburban neighborhoods to the shrub steppe of eastern Washington. Two species of rabbits are native to Washington and two others have been introduced to the area.
Are rabbits illegal in Washington state?
The domestic rabbit is unclassified and may be trapped or killed year-round and no permit is necessary; however, the above restrictions on trapping devices still apply. The Pygmy rabbit is a Federal Endangered Species and cannot be hunted or trapped.
How do you identify a wild rabbit?
Look at the color of the rabbit. Most wild rabbits do not have the fluffy, black, gray or white fur of a domestic rabbit, but instead a grayish brown or tan flecked mixture of coarser hair. Adult wild rabbits will have no white color at all. Determine its approximate weight.
Do PNW rabbits hibernate?
No species of rabbit is known to hibernate during the winter months. During the winter months, rabbits survive by foraging for food under the snow. Because vegetation is less plentiful during the winter, rabbits may increase their intake of tree bark and conifer needles.
Is a cottontail a rabbit or hare?
The term “cottontail” covers the 16 species of rabbit in the genus Sylvilagus. “Snowshoe hare” refers to Lepus americanus, just one species from the hares genus. Both genera belong to the family Leporidae, rabbits and hares, in the order Lagomorpha, which contains rabbits, hares and pikas.
Are there wild rabbits in Seattle?
Wild Rabbits Although not native to the Puget Sound Region, rabbits have become well adapted to our urban environments. They have been showing up more and more in P-Patch Community Gardens across Seattle.
Why are there so many rabbits in Seattle now?
Wirsing called them a “boom-bust” species, and the current boom appears to have begun around 2015, during the first of a series of warmer winters. Those seemingly small changes can lead to high reproduction rates. And rabbits reproduce like – well, you know.
Is it safe to eat wild rabbits Washington State?
So as long as they are acting normal you are probably safe. Tularemic hares and cottontails have been observed to behave oddly, to run slowly, and to be captured easily.
Can I trap and eat rabbits in my yard?
But the big question remains, are backyard rabbits safe to eat? Backyard rabbits are edible and safe to eat, whether they are tamed or found wandering in your yard. As long as the rabbit meat is cooked thoroughly to 160-degree Fahrenheit internal temperature to remove any toxins, they are safe to eat.
What rabbit breed looks like a wild rabbit?
The Belgian Hare is a “fancy” (i.e., non-utilitarian) breed of domestic rabbit that has been selectively bred to resemble the wild hare. It is not a true hare as such. Averaging 6–9 pounds (2.7–4.1 kg), the Belgian Hare is known for its slender and wiry frame and its long and powerful legs.
What’s the difference between a wild rabbit and a pet rabbit?
Wild rabbits never have floppy ears, and will usually have light brown fur. Wild rabbits have long, narrow faces; pet rabbits have plumper cheeks and wide, round eyes. Non-domesticated rabbits will be afraid of humans as they are prey animals and will never approach us. Attempting to engage may frighten the rabbit.