Swamp rabbit

Common card · No. 251615

The swamp rabbit (Sylvilagus aquaticus), also known as the cane cutter, swamper, or cane jake, is a species of cottontail rabbit found in the swamps and wetlands of the southern United States. It is herbivorous, territorial, and nocturnal. The largest of the cottontail rabbits, it is similar in appearance to the eastern cottontail, but has distinctly smaller ears and orange-colored hind legs. Swamp rabbits are closely related to the marsh rabbit. The two species likely separated during the Pleistocene epoch. The swamp rabbit is most abundant in Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana, and also inhabits South Carolina, Arkansas, Tennessee, Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Georgia. Its habitat is largely dominated by regions near lowland water. Unlike other cottontail rabbits, the swamp rabbit is territorial and maintains a social order between higher- and lower-ranking males and females via displays of dominance, vocalizations, and occasional fighting. This rabbit is unique...

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