The REAL Difference Between A Bunny And A Rabbit: 7 Shocking Facts That Debunk The Myth

For years, a simple question has confused pet owners, children, and even zoology enthusiasts: What is the difference between a bunny and a rabbit? The most current and accurate information, as of today, December 12, 2025, reveals a surprising truth: scientifically, there is no difference at all. The term "bunny" is an informal, affectionate nickname for a "rabbit," much like "kitty" is for a "cat."

However, the story doesn't end there. While "bunny" and "rabbit" are interchangeable terms for the same animal, the word "bunny" is most often used to refer to a specific life stage—the young, small, and dependent infant—or to a domesticated pet. The real confusion lies in distinguishing the common rabbit from its closely related but biologically distinct cousin: the hare. Understanding this distinction is key to becoming a true expert in the family Leporidae.

The Definitive Zoological and Linguistic Distinction

To truly understand the "bunny and rabbit difference," we must first establish the scientific context. Both rabbits and hares belong to the same family, Leporidae, which is part of the order Lagomorpha (which also includes pikas). The difference between a "bunny" and a "rabbit" is simply a matter of language and age, while the difference between a "rabbit" and a "hare" is a matter of species and biology.

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• Rabbit: The formal, scientific, and general term for the animal.
• Bunny: A diminutive or pet name for a rabbit, most commonly used for a baby rabbit (called a kit) or a small, domesticated breed.
• Hare: A completely separate species within the Leporidae family, with distinct physical and behavioral traits.

The use of "bunny" often evokes the image of a small, soft, and playful creature, which naturally aligns with the characteristics of a young rabbit. This linguistic nuance is the primary reason why the misconception persists.

The Life Stage Distinction: Why a Baby Rabbit is a 'Bunny'

The most common and accepted use of the term "bunny" is for a baby rabbit, or a "kit." This distinction highlights the dramatic difference between an infant rabbit and an adult. Knowing these stages is crucial for anyone involved in rabbit care or rescue.

1. Birth State: Altricial vs. Precocial

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The single most important biological difference that separates rabbits from hares is the state of their young at birth. Rabbits are altricial, meaning their young are born in a highly dependent state. Hares, in contrast, are precocial.

• Bunny (Kit/Baby Rabbit): Born hairless (naked), blind (eyes closed), deaf, and completely dependent on the mother's milk and warmth within a protected burrow (warren). They are extremely vulnerable during this stage.
• Hare Leveret (Baby Hare): Born with a full coat of fur, open eyes, and the ability to hop and fend for themselves within hours of birth. They are often left alone in a shallow nest (form) above ground.

2. Maturation Rate

A baby rabbit is considered an infant (or "bunny") from birth up to around three months old. They rely exclusively on their mother's milk for the first few weeks. Their rapid growth means they quickly transition from the vulnerable "bunny" stage to a juvenile rabbit.

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3. Habitat and Nesting

The difference in how the young are born dictates their habitat. Rabbits live in complex, underground tunnel systems called warrens, which provide safety for their altricial young. Hares do not dig burrows; they live above ground in simple, shallow depressions called a form, relying on their precocial young to quickly move and hide from predators.

The Real Biological Divide: Rabbit vs. Hare

If you are looking for a true zoological difference, you must look at the hare. Although they are in the same family (Leporidae), their evolutionary paths have given them distinct physical and behavioral traits. This is the confusion that often leads people to believe "bunny" is a separate species from "rabbit."

7 Key Differences Between Rabbits and Hares

These distinctions are the most important facts to know when discussing the Lagomorpha order:

1. Ear and Limb Length: Hares are typically larger and have much longer ears and hind legs than rabbits. Their bodies are built for speed and endurance, allowing them to outrun predators in open fields.

2. Fur Type: Rabbits have softer, denser fur, suitable for insulating them in their underground burrows. Hares have coarser, often thicker fur, designed to withstand above-ground weather.

3. Social Structure: Most rabbit species (like the European Rabbit, the ancestor of domestic pets) are highly social animals that live in large, organized colonies within their warrens. Hares, on the other hand, are generally solitary creatures, only coming together for mating.

4. Skull and Brain Structure: Recent research on domesticated rabbits (which are all descendants of the European Rabbit, Oryctolagus cuniculus) has shown that domestication has led to distinct differences in their skull and brain structure compared to their wild counterparts, including a smaller amygdala (the fear center). This is a key difference between domestic and wild rabbits, but not between a rabbit and a hare.

5. Body Shape: Rabbits have a more compact, rounded body, while hares are more slender and athletic-looking, built for running and jumping in open landscapes.

6. Diet: While both are herbivores, hares tend to eat a wider variety of tougher grasses and bark. Rabbits prefer softer grasses, clover, and vegetables.

7. Species Examples: Common rabbit species include the European Rabbit (the domestic pet), the Cottontail (a wild North American rabbit), and the Amami Rabbit. Common hare species include the Jackrabbit (which is a hare, not a rabbit) and the Snowshoe Hare.

Domestic vs. Wild: The Rabbit Spectrum

Another layer of complexity, often confused with the "bunny" term, is the difference between wild and domestic rabbits. All 305+ breeds of pet rabbits—from the tiny Netherland Dwarf to the massive Flemish Giant—are the same species, Oryctolagus cuniculus.

Wild rabbits, such as the North American Cottontail, are a different species entirely from the European Rabbit that was domesticated. A domestic rabbit cannot simply be released into the wild, as it lacks the survival instincts of its wild cousins and is an entirely different species from the wild rabbits native to North America.

In summary, the next time you hear the word "bunny," you can confidently correct the common misconception. You are simply talking about a rabbit—most likely a young one (a kit) or a beloved pet—and you know the real scientific difference is between the rabbit and the hare. The "bunny and rabbit difference" is a delightful linguistic quirk, not a zoological puzzle.