Cottontail rabbits and hares have received the most attention. Most of these species have not had their speed directly studied and can only be assumed based on other similar species. There are many different species of rabbit. Instead they are the bursts of speed rabbits can achieve while they run away and try to find a place to hide from their pursuers. When we look at their top speeds, these are not sustainable numbers. Their hind legs also allow them to quickly change direction, as they zig-zag to evade predators.Ī rabbit’s body was not made for long distance running, but instead they are excellent sprinters. This means they can bolt away at a moment’s notice. Their powerful hind legs give them the ability to accelerate quickly from a standstill position. Speed of a rabbitĪ rabbit’s anatomy is built to allow them to run very fast. But even pet rabbits need space to exercise and run around as nature built them. Staying safe and sound in our houses keeps our rabbit companions from having to practice high speed running. The domestic rabbits that we keep as pets will most likely never reach these top speeds. However, most rabbits do not reach these top speeds because they run in zig-zag motions to better evade predators. Some hares can even reach speeds of 45mph. On average, rabbits have a maximum running speed of 30mph.
Rabbit bodies were designed to give them speed so they can dash away from their many, many natural predators.
You might see wild rabbits dash across your lawn, or you see pictures of them running with their hind legs all the way up by their face. Rabbits are known around the world for their big ears, buck teeth, and their ability to run very fast.