Though they sometimes look alike, there are important differences between domestic rabbits and wild cottontails. Oryctolagus cuniculus, domestic rabbits, are descendants of wild European rabbits, domesticated centuries ago. American cottontails, be they Sylvilagus floridanus (Eastern cottontail) or another of the many varieties of Sylvilagus, are a different genus. Cottontails and domestic rabbits can not interbreed (nor can hares or jackrabbits interbreed with cottontails or domestic rabbits.) Human attempts at cross-species artificial insemination have resulted in nothing but dead embryos. However, in Europe, it is possible for pet or meat rabbits to mate with wild O. cuniculus.
How to Identify Wild Cottontails
Cottontails are always agouti (reddish-brown with black and gray hairs throughout.) They average 3 lbs. at adulthood. They have longer legs, slimmer ears, and a more narrow face than the domestic rabbit. If you find a nest of baby cottontails outside, unless you know the mother is dead or a baby is injured, you should not disturb the nest. Mother cottontails nurse only a couple times a day, and otherwise stay away from the nest to divert predators. Cottontails are naturally wary of humans
How to Identify Domestic Rabbits
There are hundreds of domestic breeds of different shapes and sizes, from tiny lionhead dwarf rabbits to huge Flemish Giants. If you see a rabbit outside that is any color or pattern but agouti, it is a domestic rabbit. If the rabbit has lop ears, spots, wooly fur, or pink eyes, it is domestic. If it shows no fear of humans, it is a pet rabbit.
Can Cottontails be Kept as Pets?
Cottontails are wild animals, and do not belong as pets. Even raised in captivity, they will never lose their instinctual fear of humans, and most succumb to stress-related disorders in human care. It is illegal to keep cottontails as pets, and, unless you are a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, you should not try to raise orphaned cottontail babies.
WildRescue, Inc., has an informative website on what to do if you've found a baby cottontail.
Can Domestic Rabbits Survive in the Wild?
Sometimes pet or meat rabbits that have escaped or are released into the wild survive for a time, and occasionally feral rabbit warrens are established. However, in general, domestic rabbits are ill-equipped for life in the wild. Most likely, they will die from starvation or exposure, or become an easy meal for predators. Expecting a domestic rabbit to have the instincts to survive in the wild is comparable to expecting a golden retriever to be able to to live like a wolf. O. cuniculus is not native to North America or Australia, and feral populations pose a danger to indigenous plants and wildlife.
Unfortunately, many domestic rabbits are dumped in the woods or on the side of the road by people who do not bother to educate themselves. Before You Adopt a Rabbit, be certain you are prepared to care for the animal for life.
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