The cottontail rabbit (Sylvilagus floridanus) is slightly smaller in overall size and has smaller hind legs and feet then the varying hare, also known as the snowshoe rabbit (Lepus americanus). Their different living habits make rabbits and hares respond to danger differently. The domestic pet known as the Belgian Hare is a rabbit that has been selectively bred to resemble a hare. Noun ()Any of several plant-eating animals of the family Leporidae, especially of the genus Lepus , similar to a rabbit, but larger and with longer ears. Despite the differences in anatomy and behavior of these two species, they do look remarkably alike. What's the Difference Between Rabbits and Hares? The cottontail rabbit (Sylvilagus floridanus) is slightly smaller in overall size and has smaller hind legs and feet then the varying hare, also known as the snowshoe rabbit (Lepus americanus). Cottontail rabbits are leoprids of the species Lepus sylvaticus. Rabbits make their homes in burrows underground, while hares make nests above ground. Their name comes from their fluffy white tail which resembles a ball of cotton. ; The player in a paperchase, or hare and hounds game, who leaves a trail of paper to be followed. Cottontail rabbits cannot be tamed. Only the cottontail rabbit is known to make above-ground nests similar to those of hares. The vast majority of hunters in America are within an easy drive of prime cottontail country. Hares are generally larger than rabbits, with longer ears, and have black markings on their fur. The eastern cottontail rabbit is a midsize rabbit that generally resides throughout eastern North America, from Canada to Mexico. The beauty of the cottontail rabbit lies in its near ubiquity. Hares stay above ground and use their powerful hind legs to escape from danger, if necessary. Their different living habits make rabbits and hares respond to danger differently. Noun ()Any of several plant-eating animals of the family Leporidae, especially of the genus Lepus , similar to a rabbit, but larger and with longer ears. Shares. Asked in Care of Rabbits , Rabbits and Hares How long can a cottontail rabbit get ? View Images. ; The player in a paperchase, or hare and hounds game, who leaves a trail of paper to be followed. Rabbits prefer the darkness to help keep them safe from harm. Rabbits make their homes in burrows underground, while hares make nests above ground. Hares have not been domesticated, while rabbits are raised for food and kept as house pets. They will come out to eat between dusk to dawn. The Amami rabbit, the Tres Maria's cottontail, and the Omilteme cottontail, and the volcano rabbit. The cottontail bunny eats plants, is most active at dusk and dawn, and provides a major link in food webs. Rabbits prefer to head underground to hide. Rabbits prefer to head underground to hide. There is an exception to the burrowing-bunny rule—the cottontail, a type of American rabbit that does not burrow. By Laura Geggel 25 March 2016. There are several … Only the cottontail rabbit is known to make above-ground nests similar to those of hares. Jackrabbits are hares. Hares have large, long ears, long legs, and a larger body than rabbits. The whitetail jackrabbit is the largest hare in the Great Plains, having a head and body length of 18 to 22 inches (46 to 56 cm) and weighing 5 to 10 pounds (2.2 to 4.5 kg). They may look similar, but hares are typically bigger than rabbits and have very different living and breeding habits.