Mammal · GBIF taxon 2436846
Brush Rabbit
Sylvilagus bachmaniAlso known as Western Brush Rabbit, Californian Brush Rabbit
Brush rabbits inhabit dense briars, chaparral, and coastal scrub, rarely venturing more than a few feet from thick protective cover. These small, secretive lagomorphs feed on grasses, clover, and tender shoots, primarily during twilight and nighttime hours. When startled, they retreat instantly into impenetrable underbrush rather than bounding across open ground like larger jackrabbits.
CrepuscularMammalChaparral
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Grasses
- Clover
- Forbs
Predators
- Coyotes
- Bobcats
- Red-tailed Hawks
ThreatsHabitat loss, invasive predators, wildfire, and rabbit hemorrhagic disease
HabitatsChaparral, dense coastal scrub, oak woodlands, and riverine thickets
Life spanUp to 3 to 5 years in the wild
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyLeporidae
- SpeciesSylvilagus bachmani
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskModerate
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is moderate
- Can carry ticks, fleas, and tularemia; maintain a safe distance and do not handle wild individuals.
Responsible observation
- Spotting: Scan the edges of dense chaparral and blackberry thickets at dawn or dusk.
- Quiet Observation: Remain still near brush perimeters, as sudden movements send them darting into cover.
- Pet Safety: Keep dogs leashed near coastal scrub to prevent chasing wildlife and tick exposure.
Competitor Chuck Homler d/b/a Focus On Wildlife / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
Predator Yathin S Krishnappa / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Predator Becker1999 (Paul and Cathy) / CC BY 2.0 · cc-by
Close Relative Holly Cheng / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Tomfriedel, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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