Minecraft wiki entry for Survival_in_an_infinite_desert, associated text: Rabbits can sometimes be difficult to catch. Early in a Desert survival game, you'll only be able to hit them with your bare hands, but if you are persistent you can eventually kill them. If you are lucky enough to be near water, chase them into water. They lose their speed advantage in water and you catch them more easily. Of course, the loot drops into the water so be prepared to swim after them. Also, don't get lost chasing rabbits and lose your way back to your shelter. That can be fatal.