Understanding encounters with rabbits

The City of Colwood is seeking your input to better understand where and how encounters with rabbits affect residents, so that the City make better informed decisions about whether some form of management is needed.

The rabbits we encounter in our area are generally not native to Canada.

We are fortunate to be connected to nature in Colwood, and encounters with animals are a source of joy for many. At the same time, we acknowledge that animals such as deer, racoons, rabbits, rats, and squirrels can cause issues for homeowners, businesses and municipalities at times. We seal up holes, put up barriers, select resistant plants, set traps, secure bird feeders and lock down waste bins to reduce attractants and guard against damage and disease.

Thank you for your input to help guide Council decisions

Throughout the spring of 2022, the City encouraged community members to provide input on this topic to increase understanding of where and how residents are affected by encounters with rabbits, and whether some form of management is needed.

An engagement summary report was presented to Colwood Council on June 13, 2022. Based on the information gathered, Council resolved to take no further action at this time.

This information from the BC SPCA offers some tips on Wildlife Control Best Practices for Rabbits.