edmontonsun.com

Tue, April 18, 2006

Hopping mad at rascally rabbits

By SUN MEDIA

CALGARY -- As debate stews over a growing number of rabbits hopped up on life in parts of Canmore, some town officials are concerned they're gnawing at the natural beauty fostered by local residents.

Officials estimate more than 1,000 rabbits call south Canmore home, which has caused a hare-raising situation for some who complain the critters are taking a bite out of gardens and flowerbeds.

Mayor Ron Casey said the number of critters has grown steadily of late. The bunny problem is a worry to local organizers of the Communities in Bloom initiative.

"There is no question it's difficult to have a Communities in Bloom drive when the rabbits come along and think it's dinner," Casey said.

Some people have even taken to trapping and relocating them outside of town. As they do, debate continues between town officials and the province over who is responsible for keeping the population under control.

The rabbits are said to be the offspring going back about a dozen years of domestic rabbits released into the wild.

Provincial officials argue they deal with wildlife while townsfolk contend the rabbits are no longer domestic.

But some residents don't see what all the fuss is about.

Jonathan Filion, a 28-year-old chef working in the mountain town, said he likes having the rabbits around and is apt to drop a carrot or two on to the streets for the critters.

"If you can't stand wildlife surrounding you, then you are in the wrong place," Filion said. "Bears, I could understand - they're life-threatening. But rabbits? Come on, just put a fence around your garden."

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