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Eastern Cottontail Rabbits If you ask most youngsters to name a rabbit they might see in their back yards, the answer would most likely be, "The Easter Bunny." A scientist or wildlife rehabilitator would probably answer, "Cottontail rabbits." I painted these cottontail bunnies very loosely with watercolor, not erasing any of my initial pencil lines.   The Eastern Cottontail Rabbit, Sylvilagus floridanus, is common throughout much of the USA. In the springtime, does (females) prepare a nest where the soil is suitable, most often near the base of a tree, rock, or along the edge of a wall. They dig a hole about four inches deep and up to eight inches long, then line it with bits of dried grass and fur pulled from their bodies. Does give birth to three to nine young, born with their eyes and ears closed, without fur, and unable to walk.   The best thing you can do if you find what appears to be an abandoned baby bunny is to leave it in the general area, as does only come back at night to call and feed their young. At three to five weeks of age, cottontail babies are weaned, mother no longer returns to nurse. At this stage they are about six inches long and their only defense is to sit absolutely still in hopes of avoiding discovery by a predator.   The original watercolor is in a private collection but limited edition prints and note cards are available. Click here for availability and price.