Is the Rabbit Population Out of Control in Sioux Falls This Year?

If you've been spotting rabbits everywhere you look lately, you're definitely not alone.

From neighborhood sidewalks and city parks to backyards and bike trails, many Sioux Falls residents have been asking the same question: Are there more rabbits than usual this year?

The short answer? It certainly feels that way—but there isn't any official data showing that Sioux Falls is experiencing a true rabbit population explosion in 2026. Instead, several factors are likely making the city's cottontails much more noticeable.

Rabbits reproduce at an incredible rate. Female cottontails can have multiple litters during the spring and summer, with each litter containing several baby rabbits.

A mild winter, abundant food, and plenty of shelter can all help more young rabbits survive into summer.

Wildlife experts note that rabbit populations naturally rise and fall from year to year depending on weather, food availability, predators, and disease.

Sioux Falls' continued growth may also play a role. As new neighborhoods, parks, and landscaped yards are added, rabbits often find ideal habitat right alongside people.

The city continues to add thousands of new residents each year while expanding into previously undeveloped areas, creating more edge habitat that rabbits tend to favor.

So, are there a lot of rabbits hopping around Sioux Falls this summer?

It sure seems that way. Whether the population is truly higher or you're simply noticing more young rabbits during peak breeding season.

One thing is certain: the city's fluffy unofficial mascots are making their presence known and gardeners are probably noticing it more than anyone else!