In spite of slim odds for survival, cottontails still thrive. Other Bunny Bits Rabbits and hares are of the order Lagomorphs and family Leporidae. Until 1912, rabbits, hares, and pikas were mistakenly classified as rodents. Differences in skull structure and dentition led to proper classification in their own order. A cottontail is not the same as a white-tailed jackrabbit.
Hares are larger and have black ear tips.
Rabbits never have black ear tips. Rabbits hop or leap. Hares are born fully functional, fully furred with eyes wide open. Rabbits can mate from three to seven times a year. Rabbits are active at any time of day or night, but mostly feed at dawn or dusk.