Rabbits

There are two types of rabbits that inhabit Rhode Island, the Eastern cottontail  (Sylvilagus floridanus), an introduced species, and New England cottontail (S. transitionalis),  a native species. The eastern cottontail is approximately 15 to 19 inches in length and weighs two to four pounds. Males and females are basically the same size and color, appearing gray or brownish with a short tail and big ears.

Cottontails will devour a wide variety of green vegetation, especially in the spring when young, succulent plant material is present. Rabbit damage can be identified by gnawing on older woody growth, clean-cut clipping of young stems, distinctive round droppings, and tracks.

Rabbits are a host to a variety of parasites and diseases. Most of these diseases are not dangerous to humans. Control of rabbits is often necessary to reduce damage, but complete extermination is not necessary, desirable, or even possible.

Habitat

Cottontails tend to concentrate in favorable habitats such as brushy fencerows, brush or junk piles, upland thickets, field edges or landscaped backyards where food and cover are suitable. In urban areas, rabbits are numerous and mobile enough to fill any  "empty" habitat created when other rabbits are removed. Natural cavities or burrows excavated by woodchucks or other animals are frequently used. Underground dens are used  primarily in extreme cold or wet weather and to escape pursuit. In spring and fall, rabbits use grass or weed shelter called a "form" to create a nest-like cavity on the surface of the ground for protection. Population levels are directly linked to the quantity and quality of the habitat present. Rabbits spend their entire lives in an area of 10 acres or less.

Damage Prevention

One of the most effective ways to protect your garden from rabbits is to put up a  two to three foot fence, such as chicken wire, wire mesh, chain link, or welded wire, with the bottom buried at least three inches. Fencing large gardens might be somewhat expensive;  however it will be a long lasting solution to the problem.

Chemical repellents are another option to ward off rabbits. Typically, odor or taste repellents are applied to the plant, as a dust or spray. The treated portion of the plant is distasteful to the rabbit; once they ingest part of the treated plant they will get an urge to regurgitate and never attempt to eat the plant again. Some commercial taste repellents contain capsaicin, which is derived from hot peppers. Odor repellents may also be used to ward off the rabbits. Dried blood meal and coyote or fox urine are effective odor repellents. Repellents should be applied before damage occurs and after a rain, heavy dew or new plant growth. The disadvantage in using repellents, however, is that they must be reapplied after it rains and they only treat part of the plant. The user should follow product label instructions because some repellents cannot be used on plants that are meant for human consumption.

Another approach is modifying the habitat, as by mowing the lawn and removing brush piles, dense, heavy vegetative cover, junk dumps and stone piles, and weed patches. Rabbits like to hide and live in long grass, by mowing and removing foliage rabbits will be less apt to make their homes in the backyard.

Removal/Control

Live animal traps, effective in winter, can be baited with corncobs, oats, dried apples, or rabbit droppings.  Place the traps in areas where rabbits have been feeding or resting close to suitable cover. If the trap fails to catch any rabbits within a week it should be moved to a different location. Traps are sold through garden centers, hardware stores, or gardening catalogs.

No toxicants or fumigants are registered for use against rabbits. The use of moth balls or crystals is not labeled for rabbit control.

Adapted from: Susan R. Metzger and Judy Weisberg, Ohio State University Extension, 2001; Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management

Useful Website

RI Department of Environmental Management

http:// www.dem.ri.gov