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The Swamp Rabbit (''Sylvilagus aquaticus'') is a large Cottontail Rabbit found in the Swamp s and Wetland s of the Southern United States . APPEARANCE ''S. aquaticus'' is similar in appearance to other cottontails, although it is among the largest members of the genus. They are generally brown, with the bottom of their stubby tails colored white. Adult male and female specimens of this Species weigh between three and six Pound s (1.5 - 2.7 Kg ). It is uncommon in rabbits for the female to weigh as much as the male. DIET AND NESTING HABITS The Swamp Rabbit eats Reed s, Plant s, and Grass es native to its Marsh y habitat. Swamp Rabbits nest above ground in small dens made of dead plants and lined with its shed fur. When fleeing a Predator , the Swamp Rabbit can run over 45 miles per hour, usually in an evasive zig-zag pattern. ''S. aquaticus'' is a skilled swimmer, often crossing Stream s, Pond s and River s. The semi- Aquatic cottontail will occasionally hide from natural enemies by sitting still in shallow water, exposing only its nose to the air to breathe. TRIVIA In 1979 the Swamp Rabbit enjoyed a brief stint of notoriety when one of its number had a close encounter with Jimmy Carter . In April of that year, as President Carter was fishing on a small pond on his farm, a visibly agitated Swamp Rabbit approached his boat and tried to board. Carter, used a Paddle to splash water at the rabbit in order to dissuade it from swimming towards the boat. The press dubbed this the " Killer Rabbit ." The incident was captured Photographically , and the image is in the public domain courtesy of The Jimmy Carter Library . EXTERNAL LINKS |
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