Rabbit Predators: What Eats Rabbits?

Rabbits are furry little creatures who live in underground tunnels called warrens. These tunnels serve as their homes and protect them from predators on the surface. There are 70 species of the Leporidae family, some of which are domestic, while others fend for themselves in the wild. Regardless of where they live, rabbits are vulnerable to predation. Continue reading to learn about nine animals that prey on rabbits.

Wolves

Wolves (Canis lupus) typically hunt large animals such as deer, elk, and bison. These mammals are massive, and it usually takes a pack to bring them down. However, wolves also eat rabbits, mice, and birds. Such killings do not feed an entire pack, but are enough for a lone wolf. While rabbits are quick on their feet, they still often fall prey to wolves in the wild. Rabbits are only safe from wolves when they remain in their burrows or race back in before they get caught. Additionally, wolves will eat baby rabbits if the nest is not well covered.

Coyotes

Coyotes (Canis latrans) are not picky eaters. They eat fruits, vegetables, eggs, scavenge carrion, and hunt mice, squirrels, lizards, and rabbits. Sometimes, they go after larger animals like deer and elk. They can be found in forests across North America. These predators hunt rabbits in the wild as well as domesticated rabbits. In fact, desperate coyotes have been known to break into rabbit cages to feed on them. They will eat both baby rabbits and adult rabbits.

Bears

Bears are opportunistic predators of the family Ursidae. Although their diet primarily consists of fruits and seeds, bears will prey on rabbits. They also eat any injured or dead animals they come across while foraging. While bears are opportunistic and often scavenge dead animals like bison or elk, some species, such as brown bears, are capable of hunting large animals. They will also prey on smaller animals like rabbits, rodents, and fish when available.

Birds

To a large extent, domestic rabbits are safe from birds of prey. As long as they are well hidden, birds cannot reach them. This is not the case for wild rabbits, who are preyed upon by birds while foraging on the surface. Additionally, predators such as hawks (family Accipitridae), falcons (Falco), eagles (Aquila), and owls (Strigiformes) are known to prey on small mammals like rabbits and squirrels. 

Dogs

Dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) are the domesticated descendants of gray wolves. Over time, aggression and the desire to hunt game have become subdued in most breeds. However, dogs still have their predatory instincts. It is not uncommon to see dogs chasing after rabbits or other small animals. Wild dogs frequently hunt down rabbits for food. Domestic dogs can also chase down rabbits for game or food, depending on their upbringing or breed. Dogs like basset hounds, fox terriers, and Jack Russell terriers are selectively bred to prey on small mammals like rabbits. 

Ferrets

Ferrets (Mustela furo) are small carnivores that prey on other small animals, including possums and rabbits. This is because their bodies can digest all the animal bits they consume, including bones. Ferrets are domesticated animals, most likely bred from European polecats (Mustela putorius). They were bred for sport, specifically flushing out rabbits in a practice called rabbiting. The wild and Endangered black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes) primarily preys on prairie dogs (Cynomys), but is also known to prey on rabbits.

Badgers

Badgers are members of the superfamily Musteloidea. They have short, powerful claws, which they use to dig into warrens. Rabbits may have a chance to escape from badgers if they encounter them in the open. This is because badgers are slow predators while rabbits are known for their speed. However, badgers can trap rabbits in their warrens, leaving the rabbits with no way of escape. 

Foxes

Foxes (Vulpes) are active hunters. Depending on the season and availability, they will prey on birds, frogs, crabs, eggs, and carrion. Foxes often attempt to enter rabbit warrens whenever they can. Unlike wild rabbits, who can successfully flee from predators, domestic rabbits are easy prey. When hunting rabbits in the wild, foxes stalk them quietly and then pounce. Foxes are also known to hang around rabbit dens waiting to corner rabbits when they leave. 

Snakes 

Snakes (Serpentes) are mesopredators. Small snakes can prey on small rabbits, while bigger snakes like boas can swallow adult rabbits whole. Boa constrictors use their sharp teeth to latch onto their prey and hold tight while they use the rest of their bodies to constrict the prey. Some snakes even swallow their prey while it is still alive. Domestic rabbits are vulnerable to small snakes that can sneak into their enclosures to eat young rabbits.