The Mountain Cottontail is a compact, grayish rabbit of sagebrush flats and mountain foothills in western North America. It frequently shelters in rock crevices and often uses the burrows of badgers and other animals for escape cover. Its populations fluctuate with sagebrush availability, making it an indicator of healthy shrub-steppe ecosystems.
Best time to see a Mountain Cottontail
The best time to see a Mountain Cottontail is March–July, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 3,724 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Mountain Cottontail? What animal is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Mountain Cottontail sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Mountain Cottontail? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.
Get HuckGet an alert when a Mountain Cottontail is spotted
Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.
Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.
Love mammals? Get Huck field notes
Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.