All About Rabbits

Written by: Paige Leal

All About Rabbits

Rabbits are small mammals known for their long ears, twitch noses, strong back legs, and fast hopping. They belong to the animal family Leporidae and are found all over the world in grasslands, forests, and deserts. Although people often mix them up with hares, rabbits are different because they usually live in groups and build underground burrows called warrens to stay safe.

Rabbits are most active during early morning and evening. They rely on speed and awareness to escape predators, using their powerful legs to leap away quickly. Their larger ears help them hear danger from far away, and their wide-set eyes allow them to see almost all around them.

Body & Behavior

A rabbit’s body is built for survival. Their strong hind legs help them hop fast, sometimes reaching long distances in a single jump. Their ears aren’t just cute, they help control body temperature and pick up sounds from predators nearby. When rabbits sense danger, they may thump their back feet on the ground to warn others in the group. Rabbits usually live together in groups, as they are social animals. They communicate through body language, movements, and quiet sounds. Because they are prey animals, they are always alert and cautious of their surroundings.

Diet & Daily Life

Rabbits are herbivores, meaning they only eat plants. Rabbits eat grass, leaves, and herbs. Their digestive system needs lots of fiber to stay healthy. More specifically, hay and leafy greens are the most important foods for rabbits as they provide more fiber. Rabbits also need constant access to fresh water. Eating the right foods helps keep their teeth worn down and their digestion working properly. Without enough fiber, rabbits can become sick very quickly.

Baby rabbits are called kittens, which can be confusing when baby cats are named the same way. A group of rabbits is sometimes called a fluffle. Rabbits can live between 5 and 10 years, and sometimes longer if they are well cared for. Even though they seem quiet, rabbits are intelligent animals with strong social bonds.

Rabbits play an important role in nature by helping plant growth through grazing and spreading seeds. Whether living in the wild or as pets, rabbits are curious, fast, and important animals that depend on proper care and safe environments to survive, they are also cute! 

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