Rabbit Home Page Welcome to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks Rabbit page. Similar to bobwhite quail, although not as severe, rabbit populations have declined in Mississippi during the last 50 years. There are two species of rabbits found in Mississippi, the cottontail rabbit (Slyvilagus floridanus) and the swamp rabbit (Sylvilagus aquaticus), or cane-cutter. Both species are relatively common to all regions of the state, but cottontails are probably the most widely distributed and most numerous. Like quail, declining rabbit populations have been due to changes in land use and management.
Despite the loss of habitat and declining rabbit populations, local rabbit populations can be increased with planned habitat management at proper scales. Habitat management practices that produce the proper cover resources required by rabbits are essential to increase local rabbit populations. If you are intersested in managing rabbit habitat and populations, visit the Rabbit Habitat page for more information. Here you will find information on rabbit habitat management.
Rick Hamrick, Small Game Program Leader
662.320.9375 | 
