[1] It has been noted that numbers of the eastern cottontail were brought west to reproduce and provide a food source for the settlers.

The interbreeding of the two species has occurred where the brush rabbit has in parts of Oregon developed the white cottontail although retaining its smaller size.

[5] Brush rabbits most commonly live in chaparral vegetation, but are also found in oak and conifer habitats.

Studies done on the brush rabbit in Oregon also showed that it rarely left the brushy areas it inhabits.

The brush rabbit is confined to the Pacific Coast, from the Columbia River in the north to the tip of Baja, Mexico in the south.

Range use probably is not circular in shape or uniform, but rather consists of a series of runways that directly connects high-use areas within brush habitat.

Several rabbits have been observed to feed in the same area simultaneously, but maintained interindividual distances of 0.3 to 7.3 meters (1 to 24 ft) before aggressive chases occurred.

The brush rabbit is one of the less fecund members of the genus, producing about 15 young in five to six litters per year.

In the areas of San Francisco, pregnant female brush rabbits can be found from the first week of December until the ends of June.

Its survival strategies include remaining immobile when in brushy areas, and zig-zag running when found in open spaces.

Brush rabbits are a natural carrier of the myxoma virus, a poxvirus in the genus Leporipoxvirus.

[11] The subspecies is medium in size, paler in color, has larger ears and shorter hind feet.

[11] Sylvilagus bachmani riparius is listed as an endangered species both by California and federally, primarily due to habitat destruction.

[12] A population of riparian brush rabbits has moved into restored habitat in the new Dos Rios State Park.