Feral Colony Control

  • Feral rabbit control cannot be random, each area needs to be cleared methodically and completely, it does not make sense to trap part of a colony or a in an area where other colonies are close by.
  • Trapping should take place from November to early January when their numbers drop and they will come into the traps for food.
  • Trapping is almost impossible in the spring and early summer as the bait is no match for sweet spring grass.
  • Trapping is accomplished via a mix of hav-a-hart animal traps, purpose-built enclosures and nets.
  • The rabbits need to be placed in an indoor holding area for assessment and sterilization recovery.
  • Abandoned house pets will continue to be housed indoors while the ferals and sturdier unadoptable pets are housed in outdoor enclosures or barns.
  • A 10′ x 12′ horse stall can comfortably hold 30 rabbits.

Lethal or non-lethal?

  • Not everyone wants to save the feral rabbits, many people would prefer to see them killed, and for good reason.
  • Property owners are livid about the damage and the mess.
  • Taxpayers must not be too happy about the rabbits damaging city property.
  • The rabbits can and will form a conduit for the virus that will greatly affect rabbit farms and hobby breeders.
  • The rabbits stick close to urban areas, they can’t be shot.
  • Poison will affect a large number of other species and taint the environment.
  • Hired trappers and pest control companies have historically cost well over $60,000 a year alone for just a few hundred rabbits.
  • Humane euthanization adhering to SPCA standards is another substantial per rabbit cost. – Even a lethal cull will cost money.
  • There is no downside diverting those funds to a responsible rescue who can sterilize and contain the rabbits.