Rabbits are adorable. With their cute little noses and rather shy demeanour, they can definitely draw one’s attention. However, did you know that there are many fun facts about these adorable creatures that make them even more interesting. Here, we share some fun and interesting facts about rabbits.
Interesting Facts about Rabbits and Bunnies
- Rabbits have incredibly strong hind legs. They can use these to effectively cover large distances and have even been known to jump up to 2.7 metres or 9 feet in one leap.
- While rabbits may seem docile, when spooked, they are take off at great speed. They average rabbit can run at around 40 kmh. However some have been known to run as fast as 70 kmh. That’s super quick.
- Rabbits are crepuscular. This means they sleep during the most part of the day and are most active during the dawn and dusk hours.
- Rabbits have a unique way of communicating with each other. Since they are not very vocal animals, they make a variety of sounds, including thumping their hind legs to warn others of danger.
- Rabbits are very territorial animals and both male and female bunnies can make use of their urine or special skin glands on their bodies to mark their territory.
- A group of rabbits is called a colony or a warren.
- Rabbits tend to graze throughout the day. This may come across as them continually eating or snacking but that’s just because their stomachs are not designed to eat their daily requirements in one sitting.
- After giving birth in a burrow, a mother rabbit may close up the burrow and leave her new bunnies alone. That’s not because they don’t care for the little bunnies. Instead, it is to avoid attracting predators back to the newborns.
- They are social animals and other rabbits company.
- The average lifespan of a domestic rabbit is 8-12 years.
- They are herbivores and their diet mainly consists of hay and vegetables.
- Rabbits can swim. It is a basic survival instinct but some just prefer to stay on dry land.
- Female rabbits are called does.
- Males rabbits are called bucks.
- What do you call a young rabbits? Kits.
- Rabbits have a third eyelid called a nictitating membrane which helps to protect their eyes.
- Rabbits can eat their own poop. That’s because they have a special digestive system that allows them to re-ingest their droppings to extract more nutrients.
- Rabbits are thought to have originated from the southern region of Europe.
- Domestic rabbits are descendants of the European wild rabbit.
- Rabbit teeth never stop growing throughout their lifetime.
- The Flemish Giant is the largest species of rabbit. It can weigh up to 8 kilograms.
- How can you distinguish between a rabbit and a hare? While they are both similar in features, a hare tends to be larger and have longer ears and legs. Hares also tend to be less social than rabbits.
We Hope You Enjoyed These Amazing Facts About Rabbits and Bunnies
These fun and interesting facts about rabbits are just a glimpse into the fascinating world of these cute creatures. Next time you see a rabbit, take a moment to appreciate all the unique characteristics that make them special.
