Cottontail Rabbits in Relation to Trees and Farm Crops

From the early 20th‑century agricultural bulletins comes a clear‑eyed look at the small cottontail rabbit, a creature that thrives across most of the United States and even pushes into Canada. The report describes how these rabbits breed rapidly, build shallow ground nests, and feed on a surprisingly selective menu of herbs, grasses, and tender shoots, sometimes sparing one variety while devouring another. It also maps their regional presence, noting where they have expanded and how natural predators and disease help keep their numbers in check.

For farmers and orchardists, the bulletin offers practical observations on the damage cottontails can cause to crops and young trees, especially when preferred foods run low. It records curious taste preferences—such as a fondness for certain alfalfa and soybean strains—and explains why rabbits turn to bark during droughts or harsh winters. The guide concludes with a range of humane trapping techniques and management ideas, while also acknowledging the animal’s value as a game species in many eastern states.