Why Do Rabbits Have Claws?

When I was very young, I remember having a lucky rabbit’s foot keychain. I thought it was a cool deal. I’m sure the rabbit did not. It sure wasn’t lucky for him. I do remember that the little foot had claws, but I never really thought about it until now. This week my granddaughter asked me why rabbits have claws. So here’s the scoop.

Rabbits have 4 claws on each hind foot and 5 claws on each of their front feet. The hind feet are webbed to help keep the toes together. This helps them as they run.  The front feet are small. The back feet are longer and help them stand.

The claws are helpful for 4 things.

1.Wild rabbits love to dig. They use their sharp claws to dig out underground houses called “warrens” where a whole family of rabbits can live and be protected. The females also carve out nesting burrows for a place to have their babies.  

2. Claws can be used as defense. A rabbit would rather run away to it safe underground burrow, but when they are cornered, they can sit back on their hind legs and use their front paws to scratch and claw a would-be attacker. They can leave deep scratches that can be very painful.

3. Rabbits love to groom their fur. They use their claws to scratch an itch or to help keep burrs or little twigs out of their fur. Grooming helps keep their fur clean, smooth, and healthy.

4. Claws also help rabbits to run. The claws dig into the ground like a football player’s cleats and give them better traction. They can jump, hop, or make sharp turns without slipping.

For domestic bunnies it is important to keep their claws trimmed. A rabbit in the wild run on enough rough ground to keep them worn down. In a cage or a house, they keep growing and might get too long.

Well, it’s time for me to hop! Hope you liked out bunny talk.

Love, Papaw

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rabbit