However, due to a combination of excessive hunting and eradication programmes, habitat loss and the arrival of myxomatosis in the 1950s and Rabbit Hemorrhagic Virus in 1989, rabbit populations have declined dramatically and remain very low in most areas, e.g. just 5% of pre-1950s levels.

The Lower Keys marsh rabbit was listed as a federally endangered species on June 21, 1990 (55 FR 25591). The marsh rabbit was listed because of habitat loss and fragmentation, predation by cats, and road mortalities caused by automobiles; critical habitat was not designated.

Start by removing possible rabbit hiding places. Mow tall grass and brush, and remove debris such as fallen branches and piles of leaves. Trim the lower branches of your shrubbery so rabbits can’t hide behind them. Survey for other landscape features that can be fenced off to discourage rabbits.

CONSERVATION STATUS The marsh rabbit has a global rank of Secure (NatureServe 2007). The species is considered Secure in Georgia and North Carolina, and Vulnerable in Alabama and Virginia.

Marsh rabbits can live up to four years, but most do not live past one year.

Is it true? Wild rabbits don’t seek out carrots as part of their daily diet, although they can eat them. Carrots contain a lot more sugar than we realize, making them not the healthiest option for most rabbits. They can lead to tooth decay, weight gain, and digestion issues if consumed too often.

Although carrots are a very popular food for rabbits, they are high in carbohydrates and should only be fed in small quantities(only half a carrot every other day). Feed the wild rabbits a smaller amount of carrots than the other vegetables. Wild rabbits also enjoy eating clover and watercress.

Do Wild Rabbits Eat Vegetables? Interestingly, wild rabbits do not actually prefer veggies. They will not consume carrots if green, leafy vegetation is available instead. So, if you’re wondering “Do wild rabbits eat carrots?” the answer is, “Yes, they will, but it’s not their favorite.”

The wild rabbits generally eat the fresh grass, weeds, clover, crops from fields, wild vegetables, fruits, and flowers in the warmer season. In Harsh winter, wild rabbits mostly depend on the buds, bark, twigs, or the greens left in nature. We found rabbit in our yard, lawn or in the garden in the winter especially.

Wild rabbits drink water from the ground as well as sip morning dew. If they come across a puddle or a stream and it’s clean, they’ll use that as a source of water as well.

Would they make good family pets? A: No, they are wild animals and cannot be domesticated. So please don’t move them. Wild rabbits stay away from their nests most of the day to avoid attracting predators.

Baby wild rabbits are like domestic rabbits – they will not bite you and are safe to raise. They are really jumpy, though, and will try to escape whenever they get a chance. Not many people have been successful in domesticating wild rabbits….

three to four weeks