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Common Rabbit, Thacka nature reserve, Penrith, Cumbria

Oryctolagus cuniculus.

 

Rabbits have brown-grey fur, pale bellies and long ears (but these are relatively short compared with those of a hare). The underside of the tail is white – this can be seen as the rabbit runs away from danger, and acts as a warning to others nearby. Rabbits are not native to Britain; the Normans brought them here in the 12th century for their, then much-prized, fur and meat.

 

Today, rabbits are among our commonest and most widespread mammals. They live in a system of burrows called a warren. Rabbits use regular trails between their burrows and feeding areas, which often become worn and conspicuous. You may see a pile of rabbit droppings in a prominent place – this is a communal latrine also used as a territory marker.

 

Rabbits are prolific breeders and populations can quickly increase in the right conditions.

 

Although common I do love rabbits. They seem such busy little subjects but when they sit and relax they are quiet, calm and collect, watching the world go by.

 

The area I was photographing has quite a lot of myxomatosis, which is a horrible disease so seeing so many in good health is great. I couldn't help photographing this Rabbit as the sun was going down behind it backlighting his lovely ears and with the Autumnal colour set in it made a lovely portrait.

 

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Uploaded on November 2, 2015
Taken on November 1, 2015