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Wild cottontails and domestic breed rabbits are two different species. Domestic rabbits have been selectively breed for decades and do not have the survival instincts their wild counterparts have.

Wild cottontail rabbits are always small (~ 2-3 pounds), with a brown agouti coat, upright ears, long and thin legs, and a lean body condition. Wild rabbits have a life-span of around one to three years, although due to predation, many do not survive longer than a year. Conversely, domestic breed rabbits can come in many different colors and patterns, long fur or short fur, upright ears or floppy ears, large or small. Domestic rabbits can live as long as 8-12 years if properly cared for and housed indoors.

A feral rabbit is a domesticated rabbit that has escaped or been released into the wild and is now living in a natural or semi-natural environment. Unlike their wild counterparts, feral rabbits are descendants of domestic breeds and may have different physical traits and behaviours compared to truly wild rabbits.

Feral rabbits can sometimes form large colonies and adapt to their new surroundings, but they can also face challenges like predators, disease, and competition with native wildlife. In some areas, they can become invasive and impact local ecosystems, as they may damage vegetation and compete with native species for resources.

Feral rabbits face several welfare issues that can impact their health and well-being:

Disease and Parasites: Feral rabbits are susceptible to various diseases and parasites, such as rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD), which can be fatal. They may also suffer from fleas, ticks, and internal parasites like worms.

Food and Water Scarcity: In the wild, feral rabbits may struggle to find adequate food and water. Their diet might not be as nutritious as what they would receive in a domestic setting, leading to malnutrition or starvation, especially in harsh weather conditions or during times of food scarcity.

Injuries and Predation: Feral rabbits are at risk of injury from predators, such as birds of prey and domestic animals like dogs and cats. They might also suffer from injuries caused by fights with other rabbits or be hit by cars.

Harsh Environmental Conditions: Exposure to extreme weather conditions, such as heatwaves, cold snaps, or heavy rainfall, can be detrimental to their health. They may lack adequate shelter to protect them from these conditions.

Social Stress: While rabbits are social animals, feral populations can become overcrowded, leading to stress, aggression, and competition for resources. This can result in fights, injuries, and behavioral issues.

Lack of Veterinary Care: Feral rabbits do not have access to veterinary care, which means that injuries, illnesses, or other health issues can go untreated, leading to suffering and, often, a reduced lifespan.

Reproductive Challenges: Overpopulation can occur in feral rabbit colonies, leading to increased competition for limited resources and higher stress levels. Additionally, high birth rates can exacerbate issues related to food and shelter availability.