Wild cottontail rabbit in the afternoon?

Question

I've noticed this summer that the neighborhood cottontails come out to eat around 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. I thought rabbits were creatures of dusk and night, not daytime. Does anyone have an explanation?

Answer 1

It's kind of like a self-defense thing. Predators are active at dusk and during the night. They don't want to be out in the open during those times.

Answer 2

As herbivores they need a lot of feeding time.  It is not unusual to see them at that time.  However you are correct in that they are primarily crepuscular and nocturnal.  Keep in mind that in the cities the predator's feeding time can get shifted by humans.  The primary predators in the city are dogs and cats.  How many of dogs and cats are outside in the yards in your neighborhood at that time?