Rabbit Visitor

Question
QUESTION: A strange rabbit sits outside my house for six hours a day. It appears well fed. It will not move when I approach it. I have almost petted it, but did not. It does not run. No one in the neighborhood has lost a pet rabbit and this rabbit looks well fed. Why does it not run? Why does it refuse to eat carrots I throw at it? (I have even hit Bugs with the carrots by accident and he still stays). This has been going on for three weeks. The rabbit seems very unusual. It did eat a piece a bread I bounced off his head, but I did not feel good about it.

ANSWER: Dear Norm,

Your visitor is very likely a rabbit who has been dumped by his previous owner.  This happens all the time, especially around the holidays.  People who have bought rabbits for their kids will be "clearing the house" to make way for new and interesting diversions, now that the poor bunny is Old Hat.  :(

You will be saving this rabbit's life if you take him in and get him to a local rabbit rescuer if you can't keep him yourself.  The fact that he's continually visiting you means he wants to be helped.  Rabbits can eat grass and vegetation to stay fit, but they need protection from predators and they also need shelter and proper food, especially now that the colder weather is upon us.

If you suddenly stop seeing him, then fear the worst.  Before that happens, please rescue him.  It's what he wants and needs.  You can find a local rabbit rescue group here:

www.rabbit.org/chapters

Good luck, and thank you for caring!

Dana


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your reply.  He looks like a wild rabbit-dressed in grey. He did not show up today. If he comes tomorrow should I have a box i.e. a house that he can go into? I have tried to lead him to my garage, but he does not seem to want to move.

Do Rabbits climb trees? Maybe he lives in the tree?

Thanks

Answer
Dear Norm,

He is likely a chinchilla-colored bunny who desperately needs help.  They don't climb trees, but they do burrow and hide under bushes and under houses, etc.  I hope he is okay and that you can help him.

For the best information on rabbit care, please go to:

www.rabbit.org/vets

Good luck!  You are his saving angel.

Dana