Are you ready to learn 5 fun facts about rabbits? Rabbits are often seen as cute, fluffy pets, but there’s much more to these fascinating creatures than meets the eye. From their impressive athletic abilities to their unique ways of communicating, rabbits possess a variety of traits that make them truly remarkable. Let’s explore five intriguing facts about rabbits that will deepen your appreciation for these charming animals.
The rabbit has been around for millennia and has often be referred to as a rodent, however this is not true. In 1912 they were re-classified as part of the Lagomorpha family. In the wild, rabbits live in groups called fluffles underground in dens called warrens. Although they look a like, Rabbits and Hares are different with Hares having longer ears, legs and being faster runners.
There are hundreds of breeds of domesticated rabbits ranging in size from under 1 pound to up to 50! They can have short hair, long hair, be white, black, gray, tan or a mix of colors. Rabbits are born blind with no fur. They need to stay with their mother for 8-12 weeks. Rabbit (babies) are called kits, (females) are called does and (males) are called bucks. A mother rabbit can have up to 14 kits in each litter and she can get pregnant right after giving birth.
FACTS…FACTS…FACTS…FACTS…FACTS
Rabbits are crepuscular
Many people think rabbits are nocturnal because domesticated rabbits sleep all day and well you rarely see wild rabbits hopping around outside. But, they are neither nocturnal or diurnal. They are what is known as crepuscular meaning they are most active during the twilight hours of dawn and dusk. This behavior is an evolutionary adaptation that helps them avoid predators. Many of their natural predators, such as hawks and foxes, are more active during the day or night, so being crepuscular allows rabbits to forage and socialize while minimizing the risk of being hunted.
In the wild, these twilight hours offer lower light conditions, making it easier for rabbits to blend into their surroundings. Domesticated rabbits retain this natural behavior, often showing bursts of energy in the early morning and late evening. It’s a good idea to schedule playtime and feedings around these peak activity periods to match their natural rhythms!
Rabbit Eyes
Rabbits have almost 360-degree vision, which is one of their best survival adaptations. Their large, wide-set eyes are positioned on the sides of their head, allowing them to see nearly all the way around without turning their heads. This helps them detect predators approaching from almost any direction. However, this incredible field of view does come with a trade-off. Rabbits have a small blind spot directly in front of their nose. They also don’t have the best depth perception. They are considered near sighted.
According to Rabbit Care Tips, rabbits also have a third eyelid that is translucent. This thin, translucent membrane moves horizontally across the eye, helping to keep it moist and free from dust or debris while still allowing some visibility. This fascinating adaptations key functions is to protect the rabbit’s eyes while they burrow, forage, move through dense vegetation or even sleep with their eye open!
Rabbit Teeth
Did you know a rabbits teeth grow continually? Rabbit teeth never stop growing, and on average, they can grow about 3 to 5 inches (7.5 to 12.5 cm) per year! If a rabbit doesn’t wear its teeth down properly, they can become overgrown, leading to serious health issues like difficulty eating, pain, or even infections. That’s why a diet rich in hay is crucial for pet rabbits—it helps naturally file down their teeth and keeps their dental health in check. Flowers, bark, sticks and edible toys are needed to help your rabbit wear it’s teeth down.
Rabbits Ears
If you sit and quietly watch your bunny, then start talking to them, you will notice their ear moving and rotating. This is because they have a 180 degree range of motion to hear predators. Not that you are a predator, lol, but they do move quite often.
Rabbit ears are also the temperature regulation system to their bodies! When a rabbit becomes too hot, the blood vessels in the ears expand to allow heat to escape and when it is too cold they will restrict to keep the heat in thus keeping the rabbit warm.
Rabbit Legs
Rabbits powerful legs are one of the most important parts of their bodies. The well developed muscles on their legs allow for quick force and acceleration. They can jump 3 feet high and 10 feet forward, run at a speed of 25-30 mph! Rabbits will thump loudly when agitated or in fear of predators. This is to meant to be a signal to other rabbits danger is near by. This is my favorite of the facts I’ve shared…rabbits have webbed toes on their hind paws which keeps their toes from spreading apart when jumping! Who knew!
Final Thoughts…
Rabbits are far more than just adorable pets—they are intelligent, social, and uniquely adapted to their environments. Whether it’s their powerful hind legs, their ability to communicate through body language, or their ever-growing teeth, these animals continue to surprise and captivate us. By understanding more about them, we can better appreciate the role they play in nature and the joy they bring to those who care for them. Each Friday I post new facts on Instagram for Fun Fact Friday. You can also read them here!
Sources:
- Carter, Lou “Do Rabbits Shut Their Eyes When They Sleep?” March 17, 2021 Rabbit Care Tips
- Cosgrove, Nicole “36 Fun Facts About Rabbits You Should Know” September 23, 2024 PangoVet
- Cool Kid Facts
