You probably know that rabbits are prey animals and that they live in groups. You may also know that female rabbits are called does and male rabbits are known as bucks. You might even have heard that a doe can give birth to up to 12 kits. But there are some things you might not know, like that a rabbit can get hypnotised by stroking its back legs (also known as trancing) and that it can jump as high as 30 feet in one leap!
The word bunny is actually a nickname for a rabbit, first appearing as an affectionate term in the 16th century. The word bunny is a contraction of the words coney and cunning, referring to the rabbit’s ability to escape predators with a quick change in body position or facial expression. The word bunny fell out of use in the 1800s, when it was replaced by rabbit.
Rabbits have long been associated with fertility and rebirth, and are perhaps most famous as the Easter Bunny. But they are not just cute stuffed toys, and they have a lot to teach us about how to live as humans with other species.
They are very careful when they live in open areas, watching their surroundings and listening for danger. Their eyes can move 360 degrees, allowing them to see almost everything around them. Their ears can turn up to 180 degrees, which lets them listen for predators from a distance. They make holes in the ground to protect themselves and they even run in a zigzag pattern to wear out predators. They eat a variety of plants, including carrots, lettuce and grass. They are able to climb, but prefer to graze on the ground. They are incredibly social and love to hang out with their people, but it is important to build trust before you try to touch them or pick them up.