Species Profile: Cottontail Rabbit

Sylvilagus is one of twenty species in the Lagomorph order and genus Sylvilagus. These Cottontails were observed at Cromwell Valley State Park where there are plenty to be found. I believe the most interesting fact about lagomorphs are their digestive system. In short, they eat their own poop! This is so they can pull the most nutrients out of their diet. Their diet consists of vegetation which has high amounts of cellulose. Cellulose is very difficult to break down. The initial digestion process helps breaks down the cellulose so when its consumed a second time more nutrition is obtained.

Cottontail Rabbit - Sylvilagus - Whisler Wildlands

Cottontail Rabbit - Sylvilagus - Whisler Wildlands