Desert Cottontail- Sylvilagus audubonii- L= 12-15 inches- Ears: 3-4 inches.
Desert Cottontails when chased by a predator (like a Coyote or a dog) will crisscross back and forth through bushes while fleeing and then leap for cover and hide motionless into a bush. In thick desert vegetation, this confuses canines which tend to only be able to follow prey running away in a straight line. Desert Cottontails don't have a strong odor and canine eyes are sensitive only to motion and not fine detail, so a motionless Desert Cottontail can often escape detection.
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