The short answer is no. Cottontail rabbits are wild animals. They are not like pet store rabbits. It is often against the law to keep them. It is also very bad for the rabbit. They get very stressed around people. This can make them sick.
This guide explains the rules and the risks. It also shows you better, safer options if you love rabbits.
Quick Legal & Safety Checklist
- Check the law. Most places do not allow you to keep wild animals.
- Do not try to tame a wild rabbit. It will be very scared. This stress can kill it.
- Be safe. Always wear gloves if you must touch a wild rabbit. They can carry diseases.
- Call an expert. If you find a hurt rabbit, call a wildlife rehabilitator. Do not keep it.
3 Wildlife Expert Tips on Observing Cottontails Safely
- Watch from far away. Use binoculars or a camera zoom. Do not get close to baby or adult rabbits.
- Do not feed them. Foods like bread or lettuce are bad for their stomachs.
- Keep your pets away. Do not let your dog or cat near wild rabbits. It scares the rabbits and can spread sickness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Trying to keep a wild rabbit as a “rescue.” This is usually illegal.
- Feeding them people food. It can make them very sick.
- Not knowing your local laws.
- Trying to pet or hold a wild rabbit.
Understanding the Cottontail Rabbit
Cottontail rabbits (genus Sylvilagus) are wild rabbits. They live all over North America. They are not the same as domestic rabbits you can buy.
They are experts at hiding from animals that want to eat them. They need to run free and find their own food. A cage is a scary prison for them. They do not live long in the wild, usually just 1 to 3 years. In a home, their life is often even shorter because of stress.
Regional Varieties & Lifespan
| Cottontail Type | Typical Habitat | Average Lifespan (Wild) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Cottontail | Fields, grassy edges, suburban | 1 to 3 years | Most common across eastern U.S. |
| Desert Cottontail | Arid scrubland, desert regions | ~1 to 2 years | More heat- and drought-adapted |
| Mountain Cottontail | High-elevation, rocky terrain | ~1 to 3 years | Tolerates cooler climates |
These rabbits are adapted to evade predators, forage widely, and maintain high alertness. They are not suited to confined domestic settings.
Legal Restrictions on Keeping Wild Rabbits as Pets
In the U.S., many laws restrict or prohibit the possession of wild animals, including cottontail rabbits, especially without permits.
Federal Laws & Overarching Statutes
The Lacey Act prohibits import, export, purchase, or possession of wildlife if it was taken illegally or in violation of state or federal laws. (Wikipedia).
State and Local Laws:
Every state has its own rules. Almost all states forbid keeping wild rabbits as pets. You need a special permit to help them, and only trained people can get these permits.
If you break these laws, you could face:
- Large fines.
- The rabbit is being taken away.
- Even criminal charges in some cases.
State-Level Regulations & Penalties
| State | Regulation Summary | Typical Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| New York | Possession of wild animals as pets is restricted; a license may be required (Born Free USA) | Fines, confiscation, and possible criminal charges |
| Wisconsin | Wild animals are generally protected; non-rehab citizens may only possess for up to 24 hours for transfer to licensed rehab (dnr.wisconsin.gov) | Confiscation, fines |
| Oregon | Live wildlife, native wild hares and rabbits considered exotic, require a permit or prohibition (Born Free USA) | Penalties per exotic possession law |
| Across many states | Unlicensed possession is designated as an “exotic wildlife violation” (FindLaw) | Fines, misdemeanor or felony, depending on the state |
Important note: Local city or county ordinances may further restrict or regulate keeping any rabbit species (wild or domestic) in urban zones.
The Dangers of Keeping a Cottontail Rabbit
Even if it were legal, it is a bad idea. It is dangerous for you and for the rabbit.
Disease Risk:
Wild rabbits can carry sicknesses that people can catch.
- Tularemia (Rabbit Fever): A severe bacterial sickness. You can get it from a tick bite or from touching a sick rabbit. (CDC)
- Parasites: Wild rabbits often have fleas, ticks, and worms. These can spread to you or your pets.
Stress and Behavior:
- High Stress: A cottontail in your house is terrified. This fear can cause a deadly condition called GI stasis, where their digestion stops. (dnr.wisconsin.gov)
- Wild Instincts: They will try to escape. They may bite or scratch hard if they feel trapped. They will not become a cuddly pet. (Hepper Pet Resources)
Best Alternatives to Owning a Cottontail Rabbit
If you want a pet rabbit, get a domestic one. They are bred to live with people. They are much friendlier and healthier as pets.
Some domestic rabbits even look like cottontails! Look for these breeds with “agouti” coloring (mixed brown, gray, and black fur):
- Standard Chinchilla Rabbit
- Rex Rabbit (in wild colors)
- American Rabbit
You can find these rabbits at animal shelters or rescue groups. Adopting a domestic rabbit is the kind, legal, and safe choice.
Adoption & Rescue Resources
- Local rabbit rescues and shelters
- National rabbit adoption networks
- Rabbit breeder clubs (responsible breeders)
- Use resources such as Rabbitip.com’s Best Rabbit Breeds for Pets
Domestic rabbit adoption ensures you get animals already accustomed to human care, with fewer legal and disease concerns.
Cottontail vs Domestic Rabbit: Key Differences
Below is a short intro, followed by comparison tables illustrating key behavioral, dietary, and common disease differences.
Behavioral Traits Comparison
Cottontail and domestic rabbits differ sharply in temperament, handling tolerance, and compatibility.
| Trait / Behavior | Cottontail Rabbit | Domestic Rabbit | Compatibility Score* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Approachable / Tame | Very low | Moderate to high | Domestic favored |
| Handling tolerance | Poor | Good (if socialized) | + for domestic |
| Escape / Flight drive | Very high | Moderate | Domestic safer |
| Socialization potential | Low | Medium–high | Domestic better |
| Compatibility with human pets | Low | Moderate–good | Domestic preferred |
* “Compatibility Score” is a rough indicator of how suitable the species is for human companionship — domestic rabbits win by far.
Wild Rabbit Diet vs Pet Rabbit Diet
| Component | Wild (Cottontail) — Foraging | Domestic Rabbit — Managed Diet |
|---|---|---|
| Grasses, herbs | Broad variety, seasonal | Grass hay (timothy, orchard, etc.) |
| Browse (twigs, leaves) | Frequent, seasonal | Occasional safe greens |
| Occasional fruits/veggies | Minimal, seasonal | Controlled small amounts |
| Commercial pellets | None | Often part of the diet (small portion) |
Domestic diets are designed to prevent digestive disorders and provide balanced nutrition.
Disease Risks (Illness vs Transmission vs Safety Tips)
| Illness / Agent | Transmission Risk | Human Safety Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Tularemia | Contact with tissues, ticks, aerosols | Use gloves and masks; avoid handling wild rabbits (CDC) |
| Rabbit hemorrhagic disease | Contact with an infected rabbit | Avoid contact; report to wildlife authorities |
| Parasites (fleas, ticks) | Bite, skin contact | Use protective clothing; treat pets |
| Pasteurellosis, bacterial | Contact with mucous, secretions | Sanitize handlers, vet checks |
Always assume wild animals may carry pathogens.
What To Do If You Find an Injured Rabbit
If you see a rabbit that might be hurt, follow these steps.
- Watch from a distance. First, see if it really needs help. The mother might be nearby.
- If it is in immediate danger (like on the road), you can move it. Always wear gloves.
- Put the rabbit in a dark, quiet box. A cardboard box with air holes is good. Put a soft towel inside. Do not give it food or water.
- Call for help right away. Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or a vet. They know what to do.
Signs a Rabbit Needs Help
Rabbits sometimes look fine but are injured or ill. Here are warning signs:
- It is bleeding or has a broken bone.
- It is lying on its side or cannot hop.
- It feels very cold.
- A cat or dog has touched it.
Flowchart: When to Call Wildlife Rehab
Found a rabbit → Determine if safe to approach
↓
Is rabbit movement normal? → YES → Leave alone, observe
→ NO → Is it in danger (road, predators)?
↓
YES → Safely move to shade, box it → Contact rehab
NO → Observe quietly from distance → Call rehab if signs worsen
This flowchart helps guide non-experts in deciding when to intervene.
FIND A RABBIT VET NEAR YOUHow to help Wild Rabbits Without Owning Them
You can love wild rabbits without taking them from the wild.
- Make your yard friendly. Plant bushes where they can hide. Avoid using pesticides.
- Keep your pets indoors or on a leash to protect wild rabbits.
- Support a wildlife rescue. You can donate money or supplies to people who are trained to help.
Top Domestic Breeds That Look Like Cottontails
Here are domestic rabbit breeds favored for wild-type appearance:
- Standard Chinchilla – soft salt-and-pepper coat
- Agouti (wild pattern) in domestic breeds – brown/sand mixed fur
- Harlequin (muted color varieties)
- Rex (in wild-type coloring)
These breeds combine the look you like with the temperament and care suitability of domestic pets. (See more in the Best Rabbit Breeds for Pets article.)
FAQs
Can you ever keep a cottontail rabbit as a pet?
Almost never. It is illegal in most places and very harmful to the rabbit.
Why are cottontails bad pets?
They are wild. They are not used to people. They get very stressed, which can kill them. They can also carry diseases.
I found a baby rabbit alone. Should I save it?
Probably not. Mother rabbits often leave their babies alone for most of the day. She is usually nearby. Only call a rehabilitator if you are sure the mother is gone (e.g., you saw her die) or if the baby is hurt or very cold.
Can a wild rabbit ever become tame?
No. Even a rabbit raised by people will still have wild instincts. It will always be afraid.
What pet rabbit looks like a cottontail?
Look for a domestic rabbit with “agouti” fur. This is a mix of brown, black, and gray that looks just like a wild cottontail.
Is a cottontail a rabbit or a bunny?
A cottontail is a wild rabbit species. The word bunny is simply a cute nickname for a young or small rabbit, but a cottontail remains wild no matter its age.
Where do cottontail rabbits sleep at night?
Cottontails rest in shallow grass nests or dense vegetation, often hidden in brush piles or tall weeds. Unlike domestic rabbits, they do not dig deep burrows.
Can you touch a cottontail rabbit?
No. Do not touch wild cottontails. Handling causes extreme stress and may spread diseases or parasites. Only licensed wildlife rehabilitators should handle an injured rabbit.
Do cottontail rabbits carry diseases?
Yes. Wild cottontails can carry tularemia, parasites, and other infections that spread to humans or pets. Always watch from a safe distance and call wildlife experts if rescue is needed.
The Bottom Line
Enjoy watching cottontail rabbits from your window. They are beautiful wild animals. But please, do not try to make one a pet.
- Cottontail rabbits as pets are almost always a bad idea — legally, medically, and behaviorally.
- Wild rabbits have high stress and disease risk.
- Instead, adopt a domestic rabbit alternative that suits your environment and style.
Cottontail rabbits as pets are a bad idea. It is against the law. It is dangerous for you. And it is cruel to the rabbit. If you want a bunny to love, visit a shelter and adopt a domestic rabbit. You will get a friendly, healthy pet that is happy to live with you.
For more on caring for pet rabbits, see our guides on Rabbit Behavior and Rabbit First Aid Kits.
Related reading post Rabbit Behaviors and Body Language, Common Rabbit Myths, Rabbit First Aid Kit, Care for Newborn Bunnies.
