Where Do Rabbits Go in Winter
Visitors to Lasdon during warmer weather may occasionally see eastern cottontail rabbits on our lawns and in our gardens. Since the arrival of colder days, the rabbits seem to have disappeared. Rabbits don’t hibernate, so where are they?
Rabbits are well suited for survival in the cold. They start preparing for winter during the warmer months when food is readily available. They typically consume weeds, flowers, grasses and herbs. Rabbits are vegetarians so they have ample time to fatten up over spring and summer. As fall heads into winter rabbits have not only gained weight, they have also grown thicker coats.
The onset of winter weather necessitates a change in diet from vegetarian to a woody diet of twigs and tree bark. Rabbits don’t store food, so they must continually be in search of possible food sources. This helps them to stay active and to keep warm. They seek out twigs and the bark of roses and sumac bushes. Young trees like birch, willow and oaks are also favored for their bark.
Rabbits do sleep for a total of 8 hours each day, but not all at once. They may sleep for periods of less than 30 minutes, before returning to their search for food. While rabbits don’t dig burrows they do take advantage of abandoned fox dens and hollowed out tree trunks. Brush piles also offer good protection for rabbits. Evergreen trees, too, offer protection from wind and cold.
To look for more information about rabbits during the winter season do an on-line search for the site Wildlife in Winter. If you are visiting Lasdon Park for a winter walk look for areas where rabbits may be finding shelter or food. You may find you are not alone on your journey in nature.