What kind of habitats do rabbits prefer in the wild?

In the wild, rabbits choose habitats that offer them sufficient shelter, food, and protection from predators. These habitats can vary based on the species and location, but there are several common types of rabbit habitats. Grasslands are preferred by many rabbit species, like the Eastern cottontail, who thrive in grassy areas with dense vegetation providing cover. Forests house rabbits such as the European rabbit, who dwell in wooded areas with both thick undergrowth for hiding and open spaces for foraging. Desert-dwelling rabbits like the Desert cottontail have adapted to arid environments and can be found in brushy habitats with scant vegetation, relying on nocturnal activity to avoid the heat. Marshlands are home to marsh rabbits, which inhabit wet areas like wetlands, swamps, and floodplains, requiring ample vegetation for both shelter and food. Mountains provide a habitat for rabbit species like the Snowshoe hare, occupying subalpine forests or alpine tundra with coniferous trees and shrubs. Regardless of the habitat, rabbits prefer areas with plenty of hiding spots such as burrows, brush piles, and dense vegetation. They rely on a combination of open spaces for feeding and dense cover to evade predators.