Rabbits are well-known for their large ears, big teeth, and ability to run very fast. You can watch wild rabbits race across open meadows, or you might have seen photographs of them racing with their back legs all the way up to their faces. Rabbit bodies were built to allow them to get away from their many natural predators.
Rabbits have a top speed of 30 miles per hour on average. Some hares may achieve speeds of up to 45 mph. Most rabbits, however, do not attain these high speeds because they move in zig-zag patterns to avoid predators.
Domestic rabbits, which are the kind we usually keep as pets, will almost certainly never achieve these high speeds. Staying in our homes saves our rabbit friends from having to develop high-speed running. Even pet rabbits, however, require space to exercise and run around because that is how nature intended.
Why are rabbits so fast?
The anatomy of a rabbit is designed to allow it to run exceedingly fast. Their muscular hind legs help them to accelerate swiftly from a standstill. This means that they can flee at any time. Their hind legs also help them to shift direction swiftly as they zig-zag to avoid predators.
Rabbits’ bodies were not designed for long-distance running, yet they make superb sprinters. When we look at their highest speeds, we can see that they are not sustainable. Instead, these are the bursts of speed that rabbits can accomplish while fleeing and looking for a spot to hide from their pursuers.
Rabbits come in a variety of species. The majority of these animals’ speeds have not been properly researched and must be estimated based on other similar species. Cottontail rabbits and hares have garnered the most attention in terms of speed.
Hares
A Jackrabbit is frequently referred to as the fastest known species of rabbit. Jackrabbits aren’t actually rabbits though, they are a type of hare. Hares are related to rabbits, yet they are larger and have proportionally larger and stronger hind legs. As a result, most species of hare are able to run far faster than rabbits.
Jackrabbits can sometimes achieve speeds of up to 45 miles per hour. They can also leap ten feet in a single jump. Hares, like rabbits, have limited endurance and can only maintain rapid bursts of speed for brief periods of time. If they can’t access a spot to hide, they’ll be overrun by predators with more endurance.
Cottontail Rabbits
Cottontail rabbits are a type of rabbit that can be found nestled away in corners all over the world. There are 20 different species of rabbits in the genus Sylvilagus. The Eastern Cottontail, which is native to North America, has received the greatest attention.
These bunnies are little, weighing about 2-4 pounds on average. Their top speed is around 30 miles per hour. However, due to their zig-zag running pattern, they often only achieve speeds of about 18mph.
Domestic Rabbits
Domestic rabbits are descended from a species found in Europe. They are larger than cottontail rabbits (though some are bred to be smaller). European rabbits have been reported to attain top speeds of around 35mph, however, most domestic rabbits do not.
Domestic rabbits move quickly. They’re undoubtedly adept at eluding our grasp when we try to pick them up. However, in most situations, they are not physically fit enough to reach their top speeds.
Rabbits who are safe at home do not need to run as fast. Rabbits require space to run even if they are not traveling at full speeds. Exercise on a regular basis helps to keep them happy and healthy.
Is running good exercise for my rabbit?
Yes! Running helps to keep your rabbit fit and healthy, as well as mentally happy. Every day, rabbits require approximately 2-4 hours of exercise time. The amount will vary according to your rabbit’s activity level and health, and it does not have to be taken all at once.
Your rabbit will most likely be busy and exploring for 10-15 minutes, then rest for a few moments before returning to exploring. It’s best to get them out of their enclosure as much as possible to offer them extra exercise. We recommend leaving the door to the enclosure open, if possible, so they can hop around and explore as much as they like.
Why is my rabbit sprinting around?
Have you ever noticed your rabbit running in circles around the room? Maybe they’ll throw in a strange twisting jump every now and then as they speed around the area. This is the type of running that pet rabbits do when they are excited. That strange jump bunnies do is known as a binky, and is essentially just an adorable jump for joy.
This behavior is most generally reported in rabbits when they are thrilled about something. For example, people may be aware that it usually occurs around mealtimes, just in time for their daily serving of leafy greens. Because they are so enthusiastic about supper, your rabbit may zoom around the house.
Younger rabbits will zoom more regularly than older bunnies, much like infants will get noticeably more enthusiastic than adults. Rabbits will settle down a little as they become older, and high-speed zooming will become less common.
However, you will still see your rabbit zoom in and out on occasion. They’re sometimes just too excited to stand still (so cute!).
Should I keep my rabbit indoors or outdoors?
The minimum amount of room you should provide for your rabbit’s daily activity is 24 square feet, but you may always provide much more space if it is available. Allowing them to stay out with you in the living room or your bedroom, for example, will allow them to run around and be a happy bunny.
You can also provide your rabbit with an outdoor run. It should be at least the same size as the indoor space. You should also provide your rabbit with some shaded locations to retreat to and avoid any toxic or harmful plants.
