http://www.globaltvbc.com/technology/Canmore+cull+bear+baiting+rabbits/3984286/story.html

Canmore to cull bear-baiting rabbitsPostmedia News: Wednesday, December 15, 2010

CANMORE, Alta. — He may not be Elmer Fudd, but Canmore Mayor Ron Casey is taking aim at the picturesque Alberta town's rascally rabbits.

Casey, who said the animals are attracting predators such as cougars, has secured support for a $50,000 budget to deal with feral rabbits.

"The number of cougars in the area and in residential districts is a direct result of a ready supply of rabbits, which are acting as a wildlife attractant," said Casey, adding the issue was brought to his attention by wildlife biologists during an October municipal-election campaign.

The municipality has taken steps in the past to deal with wildlife attractants, including implementing a bear-bin system for household garbage and banning bird feeders during the months bears are active in the area.

Casey said it's hard to estimate the rabbit population, but it could be several thousand — all descended from domesticated rabbits released by residents in recent years.

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