I observed three Eastern Cottontails at a nearby park. As I approached with my camera one of the Cottontails fled. He sped away from me running across about 50 yards of short grass. His escape route was curious because it took him directly toward a lady watering her front yard with a garden hose.

The rabbit came within 10 feet of the lady before he noticed her. After becoming alerted to her presence the Cottontail stopped abruptly and paused for a moment, not sure how to proceed. Finally, he dashed off in a direction perpendicular to his original escape route, and came to rest about 25 yards away. Evidently, Cottontails do not have great situational awareness while fleeing.

A great picture demonstrating just how effective a Cottontail's camouflage can be. This is the third Cottontail observed while taking this series of photographs.
A great picture demonstrating just how effective a Cottontail’s camouflage can be. This is the third Cottontail observed while taking this series of photographs.
As I continued to approach this rabbit he briefly considered fleeing. I stood still for a minute or two and the rabbit relaxed.
As I continued to approach this rabbit he briefly considered fleeing. I stood still for a minute or two and the rabbit relaxed.
One last shot of the third Cottontail. By the time I took this picture I had closed to within 8 to 10 feet of the rabbit. He was very comfortable with my presence.
One last shot of the third Cottontail. By the time I took this picture I had closed to within 8 to 10 feet of the rabbit. He was very comfortable with my presence.

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