Two species of cottontails exist in New York: the eastern cottontail and the New England cottontail. The eastern cottontail (which was introduced in NY) is common and thrives in fields, farms, and along forest edges, while the New England cottontail (which is native to NY) does best in dense thicket habitats. New England cottontails are declining in number, being replaced by eastern cottontails in many habitat patches. The main characteristic of the cottontail is in its short, brown and white, powder puff tail.
Websites
- New York’s Wildlife Resources
- Eastern Cottontail- ESF
- Wild Bird Fund – Eastern Cottontail
- Eastern Cottontail – Snapshot NY
- Eastern Cottontail | AMNH
- Eastern Cottontail Status – New York Natural Heritage Program
- Eastern Cottontail – iNaturalist
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