Can a Pet Rabbit Mate with a Wild Rabbit?

We’ve all heard the saying ‘at it like rabbits‘ and know that rabbits can breed at a fast rate if they haven’t been neutered or spayed. But you may be wondering whether pet rabbits can mate with wild rabbits.

Some rabbit owners let their bunnies play in their garden, and they could come into contact with wild rabbits. Others have found an injured wild rabbit and want it to live with their domesticated rabbit. This article looks at the differences between domesticated and wild rabbits and helps answer the question: Can a pet rabbit mate with a wild rabbit? 

Surprisingly enough, the answer is no. Domestic rabbits in the U.S. are incapable of cross-breeding with wild cottontails. They are two separate species of rabbits, and their DNA is not compatible. Although domestic rabbits and wild cottontails may attempt to breed, any resulting embryos will usually die before birth due to the chromosomal differences between the two animals. Domestic (European) rabbits have 22 pairs of chromosomes; cottontails have 21.

Do Domesticated and Wild Rabbits Breed? 

It’s doubtful that pet rabbits will breed with wild rabbits in America because the two species are genetically different. Pet rabbits are decedents of European rabbits and are different from our wild rabbits. As they have different DNA, they won’t be able to breed. It’s improbable that they will ever mate, but if they did, there’s an even slimmer chance that any babies would be born. 

There are sixteen different breeds of rabbits in America, including the cottontail rabbit. None of these breeds have ever been domesticated, so they are unable to breed with pet rabbits. 

However, in the UK, where wild rabbits are the European variety, there have been many cases of pet rabbits and wild rabbits breeding. In some cases, this will occur when a pet rabbit has been released or has escaped and gone to live with a wild colony. 

It’s relatively common to see groups of wild rabbits with coloring that resembles the domesticated rabbit as they are descended from a single pet rabbit that’s escaped. 

Should I Spay or Neuter my Rabbit? 

Any responsible rabbit owner will know that they should spay or neuter their bunny. Most vets recommend this because it improves the rabbit’s health and reduces the risk of some diseases. Check out this post about basic care tips and whether rabbits make good pets to find out what else you should do for your pet rabbit.

Even if you’ve had your rabbit neutered or spayed, a wild rabbit may try to mount your pet, if they come into contact. It would be best if you were careful that this doesn’t happen as there is a risk of phantom pregnancy in pet rabbits. This will cause your pet a lot of stress.

Would a Pet and Wild Rabbit form a Bond?  

It may be possible, but it is unlikely that a pet rabbit and a wild rabbit would form a bond. This is unlikely to occur because the animals would have to spend enough time together. Most owners wouldn’t let this happen as it’s safer to separate your pet from a wild rabbit. Wild rabbits could be carrying diseases and infections that your pet might not be immune to, and that could be fatal, so its best to keep them apart. 

Rabbits that are forming a bond will need to get used to each other and undergo a lengthy communication process. All rabbits, both wild and domesticated, should have similar mannerisms and should be able to understand each other’s behaviors. However, there are differences between domesticated and wild rabbits, which could lead to misunderstandings and fights. 

Even if your pet rabbit manages to bond with a wild rabbit, for example, if you’ve found an injured wild rabbit living in your garden, there will be problems with living conditions. When two rabbits are bonded, they would have established a hierarchy and want to live together. The problem is that a wild rabbit shouldn’t live in a hutch as this could lead to fatal stress. Few pet and wild rabbits have been able to overcome all these obstacles and bond. 

What are the Differences Between a Pet and a Wild Rabbit?

Wild rabbits may look similar to some domesticated rabbits; they have light grey fur and a long narrow face. You’ll never see a wild rabbit with floppy ears or any color of fur other than brown. Pet rabbits usually have slightly plumper cheeks then their wild cousins and have wide, round eyes. Wild rabbits will also be wary of humans because they are a prey animal. They wouldn’t approach humans and aren’t usually seen alone. 

Both wild and pet rabbits have long ears, fluffy tails, and often prominent teeth. It can sometimes be hard to tell them apart, as some look almost identical. However, there are several differences. Pet rabbits have been specifically bred to live in our homes and to be handled. They are domesticated pets that are unlikely to survive in the wild. They are used to being fed and sheltered and may not be able to escape from prey as wild rabbits can. You shouldn’t try to tame a wild rabbit as it will be terrifying, and they will feel trapped if put in a hutch, which could even result in its death.

If you see a rabbit, you should leave it alone, whether it’s wild or you think it’s a pet. Don’t attempt to capture or entice a free rabbit. A pet rabbit that’s lost is likely to be very scared, confused, and probably hungry. It would be best if you attempted to find the rabbits owner as soon as possible. You can tell if a rabbit is wild or a pet by looking at its size and shape. You should also observe its behavior as pet rabbits are likely to come towards you if undisturbed. Observing the rabbit will reveal if it’s wild or if it’s escaped from captivity.

Conclusion

While pet and wild rabbits are both rabbits, they are also different species, and its therefore very unlikely that they will mate. Pet rabbits can mate and breed with European rabbits as they are genetically similar enough. 

Wild rabbits and pet rabbits are unable to live together as the differences between them are too pronounced. If you see your pet rabbit interacting with a wild rabbit, it’s a good idea to stop the interaction quickly. It is safer to keep your pet away from wild rabbits. 

Related Questions

What breed of rabbit looks like a wild rabbit?

The Belgian Hare was bred in Belgium in the early 1700s to look like a wild hare. Despite their name, the Belgian Hare is not actually a hare but rather a domestic rabbit. Belgian Hares are slender and sleek, with long ears and even longer back feet, compared to other breeds of domestic rabbits. They are also known for their smarts and are considered by many to be the most intelligent domestic rabbit species.

Are wild bunnies dangerous?

Wild rabbits are probably not going to attack you, so they are not dangerous in that way. Rabbits are prey animals, which means they are not usually going to stick around long enough for you to get to near them to find out anyway. However, you don’t want to touch them as they can carry diseases, such as Tularemia or “Rabbit fever,” as well as transmit the potentially fatal disease known as rabies on to humans, so it is best to keep your distance.