Critters of the Week
Critters of the Week
A wild critter we spotted in the RVA area and a critter up for adoption by SPCA or RACC.
Where Spotted: Westover Hills
Common Name: Easter Cottontail aka Bun-bun
Scientific Name: Sylvilagus floridanus
Length: 36–48 cm (14–19 in) in total length, including a small tail that averages 5.3 cm (2.1 in)
Weight: 1.8 to 4.4 lb, with an average of around 2.6 lb
Quick Facts from the Department of Game & Inland Fisheries and Wikipedia
- It is the most common rabbit species in Virginia, and is found in every county of the Commonwealth.
- Cottontails do not dig burrows, but rather rest in a form, a shallow, scratched-out depression in a clump of grass or under brush. It may use the dens of groundhogs as a temporary home or during heavy snow.
- When chased, it runs in a zigzag pattern, running up to 18 mph.
- Cottontails have been referred to as the “protein pill” of the animal kingdom. They are perhaps the most heavily preyed upon game species in Virginia. In most years, 80% or more of adult cottontails are killed.
- Does may have 3-7 litters in a year. A buck (male cottontail) and doe could multiply into 25 rabbits in less than a year.
Chester Bennington at RACC
Primary Color: Brown Tabby
Secondary Color: White
Weight: 7.2
Age: 10yrs 1mths 0wks
Sex: Male
Pet ID: 80138
Adopt Chester Bennington at RACC
Please note that the adoptable critter we’ve selected was available when we created the post the animal might not be available when you go to the facility.
