Species MammalsMarsh Rabbit

Marsh Rabbit

Sylvilagus palustris

CommonMammal
Illustration of Marsh Rabbit (Sylvilagus palustris)

The Marsh Rabbit is a dark, semi-aquatic cottontail of the southeastern coastal plain that enters water readily to escape predators and forage on aquatic vegetation. Unlike other cottontails, it shows little white on its tail, uses a crouched, cat-like gait when moving, and swims powerfully. It is strongly tied to freshwater and brackish marshes along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts.

Habitat
Freshwater and brackish marshes, swamp margins, and wet thickets
Diet
Marsh grasses, cattails, and aquatic vegetation
How common
Common

Recent Marsh Rabbit sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

Spot a Marsh Rabbit? Identify it instantly.

Point Huck at any plant or animal and get an instant ID, rarity, and field notes — building your personal nature collection as you go.

Get Huck — free

More mammals

Abert's Squirrel
Abert's Squirrel
Sciurus aberti
Agricola's Gracile Opossum
Agricola's Gracile Opossum
Cryptonanus agricolai
Alaska Marmot
Alaska Marmot
Marmota broweri
Alaska Peninsula Brown Bear
Alaska Peninsula Brown Bear
Ursus arctos gyas
Alaskan Hare
Alaskan Hare
Lepus othus
Alaskan Mink
Alaskan Mink
Neogale vison ingens
Alfaro's Pygmy Squirrel
Alfaro's Pygmy Squirrel
Microsciurus alfari
Allen's Big-eared Bat
Allen's Big-eared Bat
Idionycteris phyllotis