They are one of four rabbit species native to the Carolinas.
Cottontails are common from the coast to the mountains.
Their hind legs are longer than their front legs with hind feet that are significantly larger than the front feet. The upper body is usually reddish brown with the underparts white, including the underside of the tall. There is a rusty colored patch on the nape of the neck and often a white spot on the forehead. Eastern Cottontails usually weigh from 2 to 4 pounds and have a total length of 12 to almost 20 inches. In spring and summer they usually feed on herbaceous plants such as succulent wild grasses and clover, but will also eat garden vegetables if available.