New England Cottontail Habitat Management
A landowner's guide
Posted: 19-Nov-2008; Updated: 10-Jun-2009
New England cottontail in dense shrub habitat. Photo: Anne Schnell
New England's only native rabbit, the New England cottontail, is in decline throughout its range. Loss of habitat is one of the primary factors contributing to the decline of the species, so one of the best ways to improve the cottontail's outlook is to protect and increase the amount of suitable habitat available.
Landowners who are interested in making an impact on the survival of New England cottontails can follow the guidelines set forth in a new publication put together by:
- Environmental Defense Fund
- U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
- Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife
- USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
A Landowner's Guide to New England Cottontail Habitat Management [PDF] gives background information on the species, its food and habitat requirements, and management prescriptions for creating and maintaining suitable habitat.
