by Sylvia Nuttal
Since May of this year, there has been an increase in sightings of Mountain Cottontail rabbits in our communities. We have had a pair under our deck since mid-July, when they were frolicking little bunnies, just half the size that they are now. When startled, they seem to think that if they remain motionless, we will not see them.
Mountain Cottontails are native to Alberta. This year, it has been increasingly common to see them in urban parks and yards.
They come from the river valleys and neighbouring fields for the lush greenery that the rain has produced this year and the relative safety from predators that can be found in our neighbourhoods.
Young cottontails become self-sufficient and are weaned at about one month of age. They leave their birthing area around four to five weeks of age but may not reach full sexual maturity for another month or two. Under favourable conditions, these rabbits can produce multiple litters of four kits each, during their second year of life. Only about 15% of the young survive their first year.
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