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Rabbit

Rabbits on the Run: The rabbit finds itself in one of the most hunted orders of animals: the Lagomorpha. Not only do rabbits contend with such predators as carnivores and birds, but humans also hunt them for sport, food and fur.

Engineered for Escape: Since they seem to be on the menu of a variety of predators, the rabbit's body has developed keen senses to escape sticky situations. Their famously long ears provide excellent hearing and their eyes, which are positioned high on their head, gives them almost 360-degree vision. A long, flexible back and long legs enable this animal to reach incredible running speeds. The jack rabbit has been clocked at over 45 mph.

Not a Hare: A rabbit is not a hare. Although sometimes used interchangeably, rabbits and hares are different. Hares tend to be larger and their young, called leverets, are born with fur and are much more independent from birth. Young rabbits, called kittens, on the other hand, are born hairless and helpless. The diets and social structures of the two animals are also different.

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MORE RABBITS & RELATIVES

SPECIES: European Rabbit

SPECIES: Arctic Hare

SPECIES: American Pika

WALLPAPER: Rabbit Wallpaper

DID YOU KNOW?

Feces as Food: Rabbits produce cecal pellets, sometimes called "night feces," and re-ingest them to absorb the full nutritional content of their food.

Above or Underground?: All rabbits live underground in burrows or warrens, unlike hares which live in simple nests above ground. Cottontail rabbits are the exception; like hares, they live in nests above ground.

Zigzag Pattern: Rabbits run in a zigzag pattern when being chased, making it difficult for the predator to follow its scent.

How Stuff Works

How Can a Rabbit Tell Me If I'm Pregnant?
Forget modern pregnancy tests — just ask a rabbit! How can a rabbit tell you if you're pregnant? Find out at HowStuffWorks.com.