Ask the Conservation Officer (CO)

by Gary Hompland, Regional Conservation Officer, Idaho Department of Fish and Game Question: "I saw an informational flyer describing a pygmy rabbit and explaining that the season is closed. My friends and I have been doing a lot of jackrabbit hunting this winter and wish to avoid any legal problems. How can we tell the difference between legal rabbit species and the illegal pygmy rabbits?" Answer: The pygmy rabbit is indeed protected and classified as a "Species of Special Concern." Its special status and protection is because pygmy rabbit populations across the west appear to be declining. The smallest North American rabbit, the pygmy rabbit, occupies sagebrush-steppe habitats similar to its cousins, the cottontails and jackrabbits. Cottontail and jackrabbit hunters must strictly adhere to basic hunter education principles, and work hard to identify their target in order to avoid accidentally killing a pygmy rabbit. Cottontail rabbits are classified as an upland game animal and can be hunted from September 1 through February 28. Both species of jackrabbits are classified as predatory wildlife and may be hunted year around. It is very easy to tell the difference between both black-tailed and white-tailed jackrabbits and pygmy rabbits. Both species of jackrabbits have large ears, long feet and lean bodies. Jackrabbits are also significantly larger when compared to a pygmy rabbit. Jackrabbits weigh between three and seven pounds. It's more difficult to differentiate between cottontail and pygmy rabbits, but the best indicator is their tails. As indicated by their name, cottontail rabbits have a very prominent, white "cottony" tail. The tail of a pygmy rabbit is almost unnoticeable and is uniformly gray in color. Cottontail rabbits generally weigh from 1_ to 2_ pounds, while pygmy rabbits generally weigh one pound or less. Learning the biology and characteristics of pygmy rabbits and adherence to basic hunter education principles such as identification of your target, you will avoid unlawfully taking protected pygmy rabbits and a date with the local magistrate judge. I would encourage anyone observing pygmy rabbits to report their location to your nearest Fish and Game regional office. If you have any further questions you may call the Magic Valley Regional Office of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game at (208)324-4350 or e-mail us at the Fish and Game web site at http://fishandgame.Idaho.gov.