Unlike the larger cottontails and hares it shares its range with, the brush rabbit is petite—typically weighing less than two pounds—and is built for life in dense, shrubby habitats. Its soft gray-brown coat, short, rounded ears, and small, inconspicuous tail make it nearly invisible when it crouches low among thickets or underbrush. True to its name, the brush rabbit rarely strays far from heavy cover, relying on its camouflage and agility rather than long-distance sprinting to avoid predators. This close association with dense vegetation makes it one of the more elusive rabbit species to observe in the wild.

While many rabbits will forage in open meadows or fields, the brush rabbit rarely ventures far into the open, even when feeding. Instead, it nibbles on grasses, clovers, and leafy vegetation right at the edges of cover, always ready to dart back into safety. In fact, researchers have observed that brush rabbits often create elaborate network “tunnels” through dense vegetation, forming runways they can use to move quickly while staying concealed. These paths are not just escape routes—they also serve as highways between feeding spots and resting areas.

Behaviorally, brush rabbits are shy and solitary, although their ranges often overlap with those of other individuals. Unlike many hares and some larger rabbits, they do not change coat color seasonally; their muted tones work year-round in the mild, shrubby environments they inhabit. When threatened, they prefer quick dashes into cover over sustained running, relying on their small size and agility to maneuver through tight spaces that larger predators cannot easily enter.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Mexico

2018

Baja California, Baja California Sur

United States

2018

Oregon, California