A mulch of stray, sawdust or discarded vegetation will also improve these localities from nesting. All nesting sites should be protected from grazing, mowing, and burning. Nesting habitat is especially important for the first litter, which is usually produced before most vegetation starts growing in early spring. The tall, stiff, upright stems and elevated leaves effectively reduce wind speed, modify humidity and transpiration extremes, as well as soften raindrop impact. The upright stems of native grasses persist throughout the winter months and are able to hold up even under heavy snow and ice.
Young rabbits are able to climb into the clump to escape drowing or chilling rains.
This characteristic also allows the germination of other broad-leaved plants, which may be valueable browse for rabbits and other wildlife. FOOD Rabbits eat a wide variety of plant foods, but recent studies show they can be quite selective for certain foods. Some food items are heavily used during certain seasons of the year while they are little used during others. When it's available, bluegrass comes nearest to being an important year-round food, althoug even bluegrass is barely touched during the summer. Wheat as forage, corn and milo as grain, are important foods during the fall and winter.