Wildlife - Rabbits

Rabbits

The Eastern cottontail rabbit is a familiar resident of the urban landscape.

Although rabbit damage occurs throughout the year, it appears to be most severe during the winter months when the natural food supply isn't available. In spring, rabbits snip off young tender shoots of emerging tulip foliage and flower buds. In summer, rabbits visit vegetable gardens, nibbling on young vegetable plants. Damage is usually confined to row ends but rabbits feed in the middle of the row as well. During winter, rabbits chew off buds and stems of shrubs and other low growing plants. Favorites include gooseberry, alpine current, raspberry, roses, and azaleas. Rabbits also chew on the bark of young trees especially fruit trees. Damage is usually confined to 18 to 24 inches above ground or snow level. Stems are cut off cleanly, leaving a sharp 45-degree angle cut. Other tell-tail signs of a rabbit visit include elongated tracks in the snow and little piles of round brown droppings.

CONTROL

Control rabbits by:

Eliminating hiding places such as woodpiles, brush, brambles, tall grass, and weeds.

Protecting shrubs and gardens with fencing. A chicken wire fence, with a one-inch or finer mesh at least two feet high, provides adequate protection. Extend the bottom of the fence at least six inches below the soil line. Crawl spaces under decks or storage buildings are favorite hiding places. Decorative wood fencing blocks more visible entrances.

Using hardwood cloth cylinders (1/4 inch mesh or finer), plastic tree guards, or heavy tree wrap around the trunks of young trees. Dig hardware cloth into the ground at least six inches and extend it well above the anticipated snow level. As the tree grows, the barrier must be loosened.

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Odor repellents, including mothballs and blood meal are less effective in open environments. Taste repellents are available at local garden supply stores. By law, all commercial repellents must be used according to instructions on the product label.

Although all rabbits are a protected species in Minnesota, the law provides for the trapping and removal from private property of any rabbit that is causing damage. Rabbits are easily caught in live or cage traps baited with apples, shelled corn, or carrots. Check with your local Department of Natural Resources conservation officer regarding procedures for trapping and removal of protected species.

Title:	Rabbits	Number:	593
Script writer:	Skip Rither	Source:	U of MN College of Natural Resources
Date:	1996/99	Reviewer:	Jim Kitts

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