Marsh Rabbit (Sylvilagus palustris) is in the Hares and Rabbits family (Leporidae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 11,091 research-grade observations of it in our sample, peaking in April.
Seasonal pattern in the national data: seasonal. Counts also reflect when people are out photographing, so compare months within a state rather than across states.
When to photograph Marsh Rabbit: observations by month (U.S.)
About Marsh Rabbit
The marsh rabbit (Sylvilagus palustris) is a small cottontail rabbit found in marshes and swamps of coastal regions of the Eastern and Southern United States. It is a strong swimmer and found only near regions of water. It is similar in appearance to the eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus) but is characterized by smaller ears, legs, and tail.From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.
Marsh Rabbit by state
| State | Observations | Peak month | Main season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | 9,960 | April | Mar–Oct |
| North Carolina | 508 | June | Apr–Oct |
| South Carolina | 292 | May | Mar–Aug |
| Georgia | 216 | June | Apr–Jul |
| Virginia | 69 | July | Mar–Oct |
| Alabama | 45 | May | Apr–Jul |
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
Brush 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 Marsh Rabbit?
Nationally, April has the most observations, with the main season from March to October.
Where is Marsh Rabbit most often seen?
The most observations come from Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina.