Wild rabbits typically have a short lifespan, usually living about 1 to 2 years in the wild due to predation, disease, and environmental challenges
. Some sources note that while their potential lifespan can be longer, many wild rabbits do not survive beyond their first year, with nearly half of young rabbits dying within a month of birth
. More specifically:
- Cottontail rabbits, a common wild species, generally live less than two years on average, though some may live up to 3 years in the wild
- Factors such as predators (foxes, snakes, birds of prey), habitat loss, and human-related dangers (cars, trapping) heavily influence their survival
- Although the average is short, some wild rabbits can live up to 9 years in rare cases, but this is exceptional
In contrast, domestic rabbits, especially those kept indoors and well cared for, can live much longer-typically 8 to 12 years or more
. In summary, wild rabbits usually live around 1 to 2 years, with some species like cottontails averaging less than two years, while a few may survive up to 3 years or rarely longer under ideal conditions.
