Brush Rabbit (Sylvilagus bachmani) is in the Hares and Rabbits family (Leporidae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 10,493 research-grade observations of it in our sample, peaking in May.
Seasonal pattern in the national data: year-round resident. Counts also reflect when people are out photographing, so compare months within a state rather than across states.
When to photograph Brush Rabbit: observations by month (U.S.)
About Brush Rabbit
The brush rabbit (Sylvilagus bachmani), or western brush rabbit, or Californian brush rabbit, is a species of cottontail rabbit found in western coastal regions of North America, from the Columbia River in Oregon to the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula. Its range extends as far east as the eastern sides of the Sierra Nevada and Cascade mountain rangesFrom Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.
Brush Rabbit by state
| State | Observations | Peak month | Main season |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 9,592 | May | Apr–Mar |
| Oregon | 901 | July | Mar–Oct |
Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.
Related mammals (Hares and Rabbits)

Eastern Cottontail

Desert Cottontail
Black-tailed Jackrabbit

Marsh Rabbit

Snowshoe Hare

Swamp Rabbit

Mountain Cottontail

White-tailed Jackrabbit
Photography tips
- Keep a legal and safe distance: 100 yards from bears and wolves and 25 yards from other large animals in national parks.
- Dawn and dusk are peak activity times for most mammals.
- Use your car as a blind on wildlife drives.
FAQ
When is the best time to photograph Brush Rabbit?
Nationally, May has the most observations, with the main season from April to March.
Where is Brush Rabbit most often seen?
The most observations come from California, Oregon.