What does the marsh rabbit eat?
The nocturnal marsh rabbit feeds on plants and grasses. Since they feed at night, marsh rabbits are preyed upon by hawks, foxes, owls and bobcats. When does the marsh rabbit breed? Marsh rabbits often reach sexual maturity before they are a year old. • Marsh rabbits breed frequently, sometimes producing six litters of three to five young each year. • The gestation period is about 30 to 37 days, after which the female marsh rabbit cares for the young until they are weaned. This usually takes about four weeks. Other facts about the marsh rabbit: • The marsh rabbit is the only Chesapeake Bay animal that is restricted to swamps and marshes. • The marsh rabbit is the only known rabbit species to walk on its hind legs. • Marsh rabbits are exceptionally strong swimmers. They can float in the water with only its eyes and nose visible at the surface.
