Desert cottontail rabbits (Sylvilagus audubonii) are common in Colorado and often dig holes and build nests in garden beds. They feast on young shoots and leaves emerging in spring and fruits later in the season. Fun fact, these rabbits rarely need to drink water since most of their fluid intake stems from their diet.
Can become quite the problem in a short period of time depending on population. They can decimate whole gardens in a few days however, they also provide food for snakes and hawks that keep other prey (like voles) at bay. Most active around dawn and dusk.
Desert cottontails, deer, rodents and ticks occasionally carry an infectious disease called Tularemia. Wash hands after handling these animals.
- Attracted to
- Level of Concern
- Gardeners take note
- What months
- Mar–Sep
- Treatment / Useful Links
Nests are found in grassy areas with lots of coverage. Inspect all lawns before mowing or physical maintenance in the garden.
Remove any unnecessary debris or ground cover that provide nesting materials or shelter.
Fence off garden at first signs of predation of plants or creation of nests. Contact your Garden Coordinator and request fencing materials.
Short, plastic barriers are easily staked into areas or across hoop house openings. Chicken wire is an alternative for more pesky critters.
For more information:
CSU Extension: https://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/wildlife-issues/2305-ravishing-rabbit-revenge/
Gardener's Supply: https://www.gardeners.com/how-to/rabbit-control-in-the-garden/5465.html
Video of rabbits in raised bed garden: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FY5g5EngmUc
Tularemia: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tularemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20378635