Behavior Marsh rabbits are terrestrial and solitary species, and they are active all year long. During the breeding season, male marsh rabbits seek out females in estrous. Male marsh rabbits establish mating priorities by developing dominance hierarchies, which are attained through fighting. Marsh rabbits are nocturnal. They usually walk, but they use a zigzag fashion of hopping when an enemy pursues them.
Marsh rabbits are also semiaquatic and they swim extensively.
Habitat Marsh rabbits inhabit swamps, lake borders, coastal waterways, and bogs. Platforms of rushes are used to build their dens and nests. Marsh rabbits also use low vegetation to take cover. Negative Marsh rabbits, as well as most other cottontails, can do agricultural damage, including damaging crops and other important vegetation. Endangered Sylvilagus palustris hefneri is listed on the IUCN and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Endangered Species List.