How to identify it
Medium cottontail, total length about 38 cm and roughly 0.8-1 kg; females slightly larger than males. [1]
Species it is confused with
Check these before deciding what you are looking at. If you are not certain what it is, do not shoot.
- Mountain cottontail · Sylvilagus nuttallii
- Black-tailed jackrabbit · Lepus californicus
Field notes
- Identification Do not identify Desert cottontail from colour alone. Compare structure, size, range and the listed similar species before making a field decision.[1]
Where it lives
Mainly arid regions, but also woodland and grassland from sea level to about 1,800 m; shelters in heavy brush, brambles or holes. [1]
How it behaves
Most active in early morning and evening, spending the rest of the day under cover. [1]
Where it is listed for legal take
These authorities list this species for legal take in their own regulations.
Where legal take is listed
- Arizona — hunting · 2026-2027 Arizona Hunting Regulations
- California — hunting · 2026-2027 California Mammal Hunting Regulations (updated July 1, 2026)
- Colorado — hunting · 2 CCR 406-3 Chapter W-3 Furbearers and Small Game, Except Migratory Birds (07/16/2026; eff. 2026-09-01)
- Montana — hunting · Recreational Shooting of Nongame Species (FWP web page)
- Nebraska — hunting, trapping · Small Game & Waterfowl Guide 2025-2026
- Nevada — hunting · CR 26-13 2026-27 & 2027-28 Seasons, Bag Limits ... Upland Game Birds, Rabbits, Wild Turkey, Furbearers
- New Mexico — hunting · NMDOW Nongame
- North Dakota — hunting · Hunting - Other Species
- Oklahoma — hunting · Small Game Regulations
- South Dakota — hunting · 2026 South Dakota Hunting and Trapping Handbook
- Utah — hunting · 2026-27 Waterfowl, Upland Game and Turkey Guidebook
- Wyoming — hunting · WGFC Ch. 11 Upland Game Bird and Small Game Hunting Seasons (dated Apr 22 2026)
Being listed is not an open season. Seasons, zones, licences, methods and limits decide whether this animal may be taken on a given day and place — check Hunt or the authority before you go. Listings read 2026-09-30.
Where it is found
Southwestern North America from northern Montana south to central Mexico and west to the Pacific coast.
Sources
Every claim above is attributed to one of these published sources.
- BIOLOGICALDesert cottontail (Sylvilagus audubonii)
Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology · reviewed 2026-09-30
Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology