RWC tutor Annie Bautista describes ways in which different breeds of rabbits are being pests in California.
Rabbits are sweet! Rabbits are cuddly! But be warned—rabbits will mislead you with their cuteness and leave your garden destroyed and muddy! Rabbits are known to warm our hearts with their fuzzy cute appearances, but some species of rabbits love the drama and could be extra mischievous in terrorizing backyards and lawns. With spring just around the corner, it’s important to be on the lookout for these rabbit pests!
Prepare to meet the stars of the rabbit world—the black-tailed jackrabbits, the desert cottontails, and the brush rabbits! These are the big three rabbit species most common in California and wreak havoc in the wildlife scene. Come learn about how to identify these adorable pests and their unique features that make them stand out amongst the rabbit crowd.
Black-tailed jackrabbits, the most chaotic of the bunch, come in the largest abundance of rabbit species in California. These jackrabbits are most identifiable by their black-tipped tails, tall ears, and large build. With an average weight of 3 to 7 lbs and a length of 17 to 25 inches, jackrabbits are around the same size as a house cat. They could be found in valleys and foothills. In their preferred habitats, Jackrabbits are adaptable and know how to fit into any scene including parks, golf courses, and agricultural areas. Succulents, grasses, and woody plants are what make up their diet so if your garden includes any of these, watch out for hungry jackrabbits!