The Eastern Cottontail Rabbit and its Temperate Deciduous Forest in Chicago, IL

Morgan H

Learn about the temperate deciduous forests in Chicago, IL through studying the Eastern Cottontail rabbit. Due to climate change, industrious Chicago has faced rising temperatures in the area since 1980, as well as frequent heat waves. The 70% of Eastern Cottontails that typically do not survive cold winters, are since winters are not as consistently cold. These rabbits, now reproducing even more frequently with longer warm seasons, have flooded into downtown areas for its warmth and added human influence of feeding them. Additionally, this surplus of rabbits is feasting on the forests downtown and surrounding parks.