Missouri Wild Rabbit Breeding Season: February–July Peak, But Year-Round Possible

Missouri's eastern cottontails (Sylvilagus floridanus) — the common "wild rabbit" — are prolific breeders with a long season.

Primary Breeding Window

• Start: Late January / February (triggered by photoperiod, temperature)
• Peak: April–July — most litters born
• End: September / October (declines with shortening days, cooling)

Reproductive Capacity

• Gestation: ~28–30 days
• Litter size: 3–8 kits (avg 5)
• Litters/year: 3–5 (up to 7 in ideal conditions)
• Female maturity: 2–3 months — can breed same summer born

Conditions for Extended Breeding

• Mild winters — early start, late finish
• Abundant food — clover, grasses, garden crops, bark
• Low predation / good cover — brush piles, tall grass, suburban edges

Population Dynamics

High reproductive rate offsets high mortality (predators: hawks, owls, foxes, coyotes, cats, cars; disease: tularemia, parasites). Population cycles but rarely crashes locally.

If you see nests (shallow depressions lined with fur/grass) — leave them alone. Mother visits only at dawn/dusk. Kits fledge in 2–3 weeks.