Mammals of Pennsylvania—Appalachian Cottontail
For a larger image, click on the picture
Mammals of PA Menu | Section of Mammals Home Page
Common Name: Appalachian cottontail
Scientific Name: Sylvilagus obscurus
Habitat: Found in higher elevations, appears to prefer more wooded
habitat with denser cover than the eastern cottontail.
Diet: Herbivorous —thought to prefer green vegetation in summer, twigs
and bark in winter.
Interesting Facts: This species was recently recognized as separate
from the New England cottontail.
Further Reading:
- Chapman, J. A., K. L. Cramer, N. J. Dippenaar, and T. J. Robinson. 1992. "Systematics and biogeography of the New England cottontail, Sylvilagus transitionalis (Bangs, 1895), with a description of a new species from the Appalachian Mountains." Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington, 105(4): 841–866.
- Click here for references
