Apopulation of cottontail rabbits gives birth to an average of eight kits (baby rabbits) per litter, and it only has one predator. however, an average of only two kits per litter actually lives to maturity. which of these might explain this low survival rate? a population of birds lives nearby that does not prey on rabbits or eat their food. there is enough water in the region to support six kits per litter. there is enough grass to feed up to nine kits per litter. a population of bobcats depends on these rabbits for food.