2021 Brush Rabbit Forever First Class Postage Stamps

In 2021, the United States Postal Service issued a new non-denominated additional-ounce stamp featuring a brush rabbit. It was produced in two formats — a pane of 20 and a coil of 100 — and showcased existing artwork by renowned designer and illustrator Dugald Stermer. Known for his refined pencil and watercolor techniques, Stermer often celebrated flora and fauna in his work, making this illustration a fitting tribute.

The brush rabbit (Sylvilagus bachmani) is a small species of cottontail native to the West Coast of North America, ranging from Oregon to Mexico. Measuring 12 to 14.5 inches in length and weighing 18 to 32 ounces, brush rabbits are typically dark gray with a pale underbelly, a subtle gray tail, and distinctive black whiskers.

Named for the dense vegetation they inhabit, brush rabbits rely on thickets and brambles for cover, weaving complex networks of hidden trails rather than digging burrows. While some occasionally use burrows made by other animals, many do not use underground shelters at all.

Unlike other rabbit species often hunted for meat or fur, brush rabbits are generally left undisturbed due to their small size. Their populations remain stable today, and they are classified as a species of least concern, symbolizing the quiet resilience of North America’s native wildlife.