The white creatures we see skittering around in winter are hares, not rabbits, as hares change from brown to white in the winter, while rabbits remain brown or grey year-round. Where I live that change is underway and the mix of white fur and new brown fur perfectly adapts to the mix of snow and slush we have.

Domestic rabbits that have re-entered the wild can be differentiated from wild rabbits by the variety of colours and sizes and are not protected by any of our wildlife laws. This means they can be a food source, pet food, skinned for use in winter clothing etc. People who get fed up with their pet rabbit(s) and release it should be made aware of the fate that awaits them.

Rabbits normally live only 12 to 15 months and in that time have approximately three litters of up to six young. In the city, rabbit and hare populations are kept in check by vehicles, weather, predators and other mortality factors. They are not considered endangered but the rabbits might dispute that.

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More than 29 species of wild rabbits can be found throughout the world, on every continent except for Antarctica. However, one region has an exceptional population: North America is home to nearly half of the world's rabbits, and the species has developed more biodiversity there than on any other continent.

Hares and rabbits can consume up to 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds) of green vegetation in one day. Where they have natural predators the population can be held in check but where they are not a native species they can wreak havoc due to their rate of population growth. The European rabbit was introduced to Australia by immigrants for sport hunting in the late 1700s, and today the creatures are considered invasive.

In the 1950s, the Australian government, facing a rapidly growing rabbit population that was causing significant environmental and agricultural damage, turned to biological control using the myxoma virus. The virus was also introduced in the UK (sparingly) France, and Chile. Myxomatosis causes only a mild disease most rabbit species, but causes a severe and usually fatal disease in European rabbits. Myxomatosis was the first virus intentionally introduced to the wild to eradicate a species.

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In summer, rabbits and hares normally consume a diet of grasses and forbs and in the winter eat the buds, twigs and bark of shrubs and trees. Rabbits and hares may nibble at flowers and vegetables in the summer and damage woody landscape plants in the winter.

Reducing access to food sources and shelter can minimize human conflict with rabbits and hares. When populations grow unhindered in urban areas they will provide a food source for coyotes, wild cats and other predators who may then become a risk to human and pet populations.

Hares have longer pregnancies than rabbits (about 42 days compared to about 30 days), and their newborns, called leverets, are fully developed when born, meaning they have fur and can open their eyes. Rabbits, on the other hand, are born earlier and have no fur, and they can't open their eyes until about a week later.

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Domestic rabbits can make excellent pets but, just like with any pet, a commitment must be made to look after the animal for its entire life. Releasing a domestic rabbit into the wild is to be avoided. Families thinking of having a rabbit as a pet should not make this decision lightly.

While rabbits can be domesticated as pets or livestock, hares are skittish and untrusting. In the wild, rabbits live communally in colonies of up to 20 bunnies, and dig extensive underground tunnels called warrens. Hares (which do not burrow) aren't as sociable, but will group up at mealtimes to safely forage for food.

If frightened, hares can move at top speeds, covering distances equal to 37 of their body lengths per second — in comparison, cheetahs, the world's fastest land animal, only move at 23 body lengths per second.

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Remove Shelter: Clear away tall grass, brush piles, and debris where rabbits might hide.

Limit Food Sources: Avoid planting rabbit-attractive plants (like clover, lettuce, and certain flowers) and keep garden areas tidy.

Live Traps: Use humane traps to catch and relocate rabbits.

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Yes

No

Undecided

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