Rabbits have brown-grey fur, pale bellies and long ears (but these are relatively short compared with those of a hare). The underside of the tail is white – this can be seen as the rabbit runs away from danger, and acts as a warning to others nearby. Rabbits are not native to Britain; the Normans brought them here in the 12th century for their, then much-prized, fur and meat.

Today, rabbits are among our commonest and most widespread mammals. They live in a system of burrows called a warren. Rabbits use regular trails between their burrows and feeding areas, which often become worn and conspicuous. You may see a pile of rabbit droppings in a prominent place – this is a communal latrine also used as a territory marker.

Rabbits are prolific breeders and populations can quickly increase in the right conditions.