Columbia Basin Pygmy Rabbit
Sylvilagus idahoensis
S. idahoensis is the smallest cottontail in North America. They have grayish fur with a white underside and a small, grayish tail. Their small size and preference for sag…
How to identify
S. idahoensis is the smallest cottontail in North America. They have grayish fur with a white underside and a small, grayish tail. Their small size and preference for sagebrush habitat are key identifying features.
Range
S. idahoensis is found in the Great Basin region of the western United States, including parts of Idaho, Oregon, Nevada, California, Utah, and Wyoming.
Habitat
S. idahoensis is strongly associated with dense stands of big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata). They are the only rabbit in North America that digs its own burrows, although they frequently use burrows made by other animals.
Similar species
S. holzneri (Idaho Rabbit) overlaps in a small portion of its range. S. idahoensis is smaller and uniquely uses burrows created by badgers or other animals.
Name and etymology
idahoensis: Latin for of Idaho
At a glance
Range
S. idahoensis is found in the Great Basin region of the western United States, including parts of Idaho, Oregon, Nevada, Cali…
Habitat
S. idahoensis is strongly associated with dense stands of big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata). They are the only rabbit in N…
Guide
Mammals of North America
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap