![]() Many other birds of prey like hawks and falcons will also prey upon rabbits, usually when they are out in the open, foraging in grasslands. These large and powerful birds of prey are often associated with eating rabbits, especially species like the Golden eagle or Bald eagle. For others still, rabbits provide a rare, opportunistic snack. For others, rabbits are eaten as a supplement to the main diet. For some, rabbits form a critical component of their diet. There are a whole host of animals which eat rabbits. Let’s take a closer look at some different kinds of rabbit predators now… Which Animals Eat Rabbits? This is a particular concern with the changing climate in many areas. This is a disadvantage, however, in areas where snow fall and snow melt is inconsistent, and can lead to rabbits standing out rather than blending in. In snowy climates, rabbits’ fur may turn white during the winter, helping them to blend in with the background. This is particularly useful in evading aerial predators like hawks. This can be enough for a predator to drop its quarry in alarm, giving the rabbit a chance to escape.Īll species of rabbit have fur in shades of brown or grey, helping them to blend in with their surroundings. Rabbits tend to remain silent and inconspicuous, but may emit a screeching sound if surprised or caught by a predator. By having a safe space to retreat into, and by sticking close-by when foraging, rabbits can avoid larger predators and birds by diving underground. They use a zig-zagging, random pattern when running away from a pursuing predator, intended to confuse their pursuer rather than to outrun them.ĭigging burrows, more correctly known as warrens, underground can also be a form of defense against predators. Their long, powerful back legs enable them to spring away from danger at high speed. ![]() One of their most important defenses is the incredible hearing they possess thanks to their characteristically long ears. Birds of prey including hawks, eagles and owls, and other birds like corvidsīut first of all, before we look more closely at rabbit predators it is useful to explore the way in which rabbits defend themselves from predators.Smaller predatory mammals like foxes, weasels, raccoons, ocelots, wolverines.Larger carnivores like wolves, bobcats, dingoes, big cats, coyotes.Here, we will explore some of the main rabbit predators around the world… Quick List Of Rabbit Predators This is especially critical considering almost half the rabbit species in existence are vulnerable to extinction. It is important to understand how and where rabbits fit into the food chain in different types of habitats. The fact that rabbits are such an important source of protein for many predators, control low-growing vegetation and improve plant diversity, help to improve soil fertility, and provide shelter for insects and invertebrates via their burrowing activity, make rabbits a key species in many ecosystems. ![]() There is also a successful rabbit farming industry worldwide to provide humans with rabbit meat. They are also consumed by more occasional predators like snakes, raccoons, and wolves. Rabbits are part of the staple diet for some key predators including foxes, bobcats, large birds of prey, and weasels. These small, fluffy mammals can be found in a range of habitats worldwide, digging burrows in the ground and foraging in open meadows, forests, deserts, wetlands mountainous areas, and scrubland. There are 29 different species of rabbit within the family Leporidae (not to be confused with hares in the genus Lepus). ![]()
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