This is the time of year when our office begins to receive calls about rabbits in the home garden. Not surprisingly many of these calls come from the Conejo Valley. Conejo is the Spanish word for Rabbit.

Of the eight species found in California, three of them are widespread and cause the most destruction.

The jackrabbit (Lepus californicus) is the largest and most destructive of the three. They are usually found in open or semi-open areas. Jackrabbits eat one-half to one pound of green vegetation each day. They can travel round trip distances of up to 10 miles to feed, and can survive without a supply of drinking water. Their young are born furry and with open eyes. The day after birth the young are able to move about quickly. Litters average between 2 to 3 young, and jackrabbits can have as many as 5 to 6 litters per year.

The desert cottontail (Lepus californicus) and the bush rabbit (S. bachmani) typically inhabit areas with dense cover. These rabbits often use brush, structures, rocks, and debris for cover – although they can be found in other locations too. Bush rabbits rarely venture far from cover to feed. The young born to the desert cottontail and bush rabbit are born nearly furless and with closed eyes. The young remain in the nest for several weeks. The average litter size is usually 3 to 4 young, and there can be up to 6 litters per year. They can reach high population densities under the right conditions.

All three of these species are most active in the evening and early morning hours. They frequently feed when it is dark. Gardeners often credit deer for the destruction caused by rabbits. One easy way to determine which animal may be feeding on your plants is by examining the type of cut. Rabbits leave a clean 45 (use degree symbol when posting) cut on twigs and stems. These cuts will appear as if a knife was used. Deer do not have the front teeth required for a clean cut and tear off twigs and stems leaving a ripped and jagged appearance.

To learn more about rabbits and how to manage them in your home garden or landscape please see UC IPM’s Rabbits: Integrated Pest Management for Home Gardeners and Landscape Professionals publication.

Wire mesh cylinders secured with stakes prevent rabbit damage to young trees. Photo by Jack Kelly Clark.