The New England cottontail is Maine’s only native rabbit, and it’s on the state’s endangered species list. I mentioned in a previous post how forest growth and habitat fragmentation had curbed the New England cottontail’s population. A further threat has been competition with a larger, sharper-eyed non-native rabbit, the Eastern cottontail. These rabbits were introduced to the area in the 1920s by state wildlife management agencies and private hunting clubs to increase game populations.

As a result, the York Land Trust has decided their wildlife mascot for 2009 will be the New England cottontail, and they are working to preserve an area in York that includes scrubby brush, a prime habitat for the cottontails.  They may also supplement the area, which used to be a golf course, by building burrows and adding more brush piles.

For more information see:
http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20090225-NEWS-902250336
http://www.yorklandtrust.org/

All bunny owners know that rabbits love chewing through wires. But for one British woman, who was recently home from jail, it seems that slipped her mind. She forgot to cover up the wires that were powering her police tag – a device used to monitor her movements and confine her to her house at night.

Her bunny Cuddles subsequently gnawed through the cables one evening, which led police to believe the newly-released prisoner was tampering with her police tag, slicing it with a blade. She was promptly sent back to prison.

The lesson learned here? Bunny proof your home!

For more info: http://www.messengernewspapers.co.uk/news/4157310.Mum_back_in_jail_after_rabbit_chews_through_police_tag/

Okay, it might not be an actual, living, breathing bunny, but it means the world to 3 year old Sophia Ottaway. Her mother has been placing fliers all over Hobart, Tasmania seeking out Cryie, Sophia’s stuffed bunny.  Cryie is one of a trio of rabbits that accompany Sophia everywhere she goes. The other rabbits are Roughy and Smiley.

Cryie fell out of a pram while the mother was walking her children to meet their father for lunch.  Upon discovering her bunny was gone, Sophia said ‘Mum, I have lost my rabbit,’ and started to cry.

A retracing of their steps turned up nothing, so her mother took to the streets with fliers.

A reward has been offered for Cryie’s return.

For additional information: http://www.themercury.com.au/article/2009/02/25/57551_tasmania-news.html

In Canterbury, England, police came across a 20-pound white bunny hopping across the road at 2:20 am.  Police attempts to cover the traffic-causing rabbit with their coats failed, and the giant rabbit eluded the officers for ten minutes.

Finally, 8 members of the public joined in the chase, and the bunny was captured.  Named “Tiny” by the police, the rabbit will stay at a local animal hospital until his owner comes forward.

For more information:
The Money Times
news:lite

For whatever reason, we received multiple emails this past week pertaining to pet rabbits having messy bottoms.

So check out our new article, Poopy Butt: Causes and Treatment.

An estimated 7000 feral rabbits are currently living in Helsinki. These former pets and offspring of former pets are spreading into other regional areas in efforts to find land enough to sustain them. The rabbits have been destroying park land and local vegetation in their quest for food.

Few natural predators and mild winters have added to the population growth. Arno Kasvi, head gardener at Turku University’s Botanical Gardens, has called for a culling of the rabbits before the population becomes unmanagable.

Additional article: http://www.yle.fi/uutiset/news/2009/02/urban_rabbit_population_explodes_554379.html

Brigitte Reusch is the first lecturer appointed in all of Europe who will cover rabbit medicine and surgery.  Reusch will teach veterinary students this specialized topic at the Royal School of Veterinary Studies in Edinburgh, Scotland.  She will also run a rabbit clinic.

The appointment reflects the growing popularity of rabbits as pets.  Hopefully, awareness of rabbit health will continue to spread worldwide.

For more information, see: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/edinburgh_and_east/7878548.stm

I wrote an article for the local paper here in southeastern CT about the benefits of adopting a rabbit in honor of February being “Adopt a Rescued Rabbit Month.”

Here’s an excerpt:

If you are uninitiated to the world of bunnies, you may not realize that February is “Adopt a Rescued Rabbit Month.” So in the spirit of spreading awareness, here are a few benefits of adopting a pet rabbit from a rescue or shelter.

But before you get too excited about getting a rabbit, it should be noted that although rabbits make wonderful indoor companions (who can be easily litter trained), they are not low maintenance pets. Rabbits require the same amount of care and attention as cats or dogs, and they can live around 10 years or more. But if you and your family are willing to make the commitment, read on!

Read the full article here >