What is "swamp rabbit"

canecutter \cane"cut`ter\, cane cutter \cane" cut`ter\(k[=a]n"k[u^]t`[~e]r), n. a type of rabbit ( Sylvilagus aquaticus) inhabiting southeastern U.S. swamps and lowlands; -- called also swamp rabbit.

Syn: swamp rabbit, swamp hare.

1. n. of marshy coastal areas from North Carolina to Florida [syn: marsh hare, Sylvilagus palustris]

2. of southeastern United States swamps and lowlands [syn: canecutter, swamp hare, Sylvilagus aquaticus]

The swamp rabbit (Sylvilagus aquaticus), or swamp hare, is a large cottontail rabbit found in the swamps and wetlands of the southern United States. Other common names for the swamp rabbit include marsh rabbit and cane-cutter. The common name, along with the species name “aquaticus” (meaning found in water), are suitable names for a species with a strong preference for wet areas and that will take to the water and swim.