The Brush Rabbit is a small, dark cottontail restricted to dense chaparral and brushy habitats along the Pacific Coast of North America. Unlike most cottontails, it rarely ventures into open areas, relying on dense vegetation for escape from predators. Brush rabbits are an important prey base for raptors and carnivorous mammals throughout California's coastal ranges.
Best time to see a Brush Rabbit
The best time to see a Brush Rabbit is February–July, when about 64% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 10,231 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Brush Rabbit? What animal is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Brush Rabbit sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spotted a Brush Rabbit?
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