Marsh Rabbit

Marsh rabbits are common throughout their range, except for in the Everglades, where the invasive Burmese python has reduced their numbers, and the lower Florida Keys, where the subspecies known as the Lower Keys marsh rabbit (Sylvilagus palustris hefneri) is threatened by rising sea levels and human development of the land. They prefer to live in marshes, swamps, and alongside coastal waters and rivers, as they are excellent swimmers. The marsh rabbit is often compared to the aquatic swamp rabbit (Sylvilagus aquaticus), which is found along the Gulf coast and further inland in the southeastern United States, though the swamp rabbit has larger ears, tail and legs, as well as a distinctly white underside of its tail.