
But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids Do bunnies come out at night?
Jan 23, 2026
Margo DeMello, an anthrozoologist and rabbit rescuer who teaches in Montana, talks about rabbit biology and care. Short segments cover why rabbits hop, how their ears help hearing and cooling, differences between hares and rabbits, what they eat, and why they are most active at dawn and dusk. Fun details about tails, vision, and what we call baby rabbits are also included.
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Rescuing Rabbits At Home
- Margo DeMello rescues and rehabilitates rabbits in her home and currently cares for twelve of them.
- She describes living in a multi-species household and managing gates to keep groups separated while integrating rabbits.
Lagomorphs Are Not Rodents
- Rabbits are lagomorphs, a distinct order including rabbits, hares, and pikas, not rodents.
- Lagomorphs have double front incisors and eat a special soft type of poop to reclaim nutrients.
Know Your Pet Rabbit's Origins
- Only one rabbit species, the European rabbit, has been domesticated and all pet rabbits descend from it.
- Consider that domestic rabbits vary widely in appearance but are the same species when choosing a pet.
