Florida Suburb Launches Hunt for New Owners as Domestic Rabbits Overrun Neighborhood

WILTON MANORS, Fla. – Alicia Griggs, a resident of suburban Fort Lauderdale, is facing a peculiar wildlife situation in her neighborhood. Lionhead rabbits, a newly discovered invasive species in Florida, have started roaming the streets. These rabbits, with their impressive flowing manes, are drawn to Griggs by the prospect of food. However, she represents more than just a source of sustenance for these creatures. Griggs holds their best chance of survival and a pathway to their rightful habitat – inside homes, safeguarded from threats such as vehicles, felines, birds of prey, scorching Florida temperatures, and potential pest control measures initiated by the government.

Griggs has taken it upon herself to spearhead an initiative to raise funds, estimated at a staggering $20,000 to $40,000, to support a rescue group in capturing, sterilizing, vaccinating, sheltering, and ultimately rehoming around 60 to 100 lionhead rabbits currently residing in Jenada Isles, an 81-home community within Wilton Manors. These rabbits are descendants of a group intentionally released by an illicit backyard breeder who vacated the area two years ago.

Griggs expressed her concerns, stating, “They really need to be rescued. So we’ve tried to get the city to do it, but they’re just dragging their feet. They think that if they do that, then they’ll have to get rid of iguanas and everything else that people don’t want around.” City authorities have been slow to take action, prompting Griggs and other supporters to rally for funds, with the aim of relocating the rabbits rather than eradicating them – a decision that was approved by the Wilton Manors City Commission in April following an estimate of $8,000 from a trapping company.

However, the process of capturing, treating, and finding suitable homes for these lionhead rabbits is not a simple feat, as highlighted by Monica Mitchell, the individual leading East Coast Rabbit Rescue, who would likely head the operation. Faced with the scarcity of veterinarians who specialize in rabbit care and potential adopters who shy away once they comprehend the level of commitment required to care for these animals, the challenges are formidable, acknowledged both Mitchell and Griggs.

“People don’t realize they’re exotic pets and they’re complicated,” lamented Griggs, who also works as a real estate agent. “They have a complicated digestive system, and they have to eat a special diet. You can’t just throw any table scraps at them.”

While Wilton Manors has allowed Griggs and other advocates ample time to secure the necessary funding and orchestrate the relocation effort, the city has refrained from using extermination methods, despite the initial decision made by the city commission. Concerns raised by residents regarding the rabbits’ digging, chewing of outdoor wiring, and leaving droppings on sidewalks and driveways prompted the commission to contemplate extermination. Additionally, city authorities worry that the rabbits may spread to neighboring communities and present a traffic hazard if they venture onto major roads.

In response, Police Chief Gary Blocker emphasized the city’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of the rabbit population, stating, “The safety of this rabbit population is of utmost importance to the City, and any decision to involve ourselves will be certain to see these rabbits placed into the hands of people with a passion to provide the necessary care and love for these rabbits.”

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, responsible for managing invasive species, has declined involvement, as the rabbits pose no immediate threat to local wildlife. The situation with lionhead rabbits, however, is not an isolated incident in Florida, where other invasive species wreak havoc. Victims of these invasive species include native wildlife, with the likes of Burmese pythons and lionfish inhabiting Florida waters, and human dwellings, with giant African snails causing structural damage and carrying diseases. Iguanas, too, wreak havoc in gardens. All these populations have made their way into the state’s fragile ecosystem due to illicit release.

In contrast to the other invasive species mentioned, the Florida environment is not conducive to the survival of lionhead rabbits. Instead of their typical lifespan of 7 to 9 years when adequately cared for, these domesticated rabbits face harsh and truncated lives in the outdoors. Their dense fur makes them prone to overheating during Florida summers, while their lack of fear makes them easy prey. Their diet of lawn vegetation lacks essential nutrients, and the absence of veterinary care leaves them susceptible to various ailments. These animals are in dire need of responsible owners and proper care.

Eric Stewart, the executive director of the American Rabbit Breeders Association, emphasized that “domesticated rabbits released into the environment are not equipped to thrive on their own.” Stewart calls for the prosecution of the breeder responsible for their release, a step that the city has yet to pursue.

The Wilton Manors lionhead rabbit colony persists and multiplies due to the rapid breeding patterns inherent to these rabbits. Female lionheads give birth to litters of two to six offspring each month, with reproduction beginning at approximately 3 months of age.

Notably, Jenada Isles’ streets and lawns teem with numerous groups of lionhead bunnies ranging from two to ten individuals. Fearless, they approach both locals and visitors, hoping for a treat. One resident, Gator Carter, even provides them with food and appreciates the joy they bring to the neighborhood. Carter mentioned, “People drive by, stop, love ’em, feed ’em. They don’t bother me. We have a couple Airbnbs on the island here, and the people (guests) are just amazed that the rabbits come right up to them.”

However, not all residents share Carter’s enthusiasm. Jon King voiced his desire for the rabbits to be removed promptly. He explained how the rabbits frequently dig up his yard, resulting in a $200 repair bill for damaged wiring. Despite attempting to deter them with rabbit repellent, his efforts have proven futile, and even his small dog fails to ward them off, as King laments, “He’s their best friend.” King added, “Every morning, I get up and first thing I do is cover up the holes and chase them out of the backyard. I like them, I just wish they would go somewhere else. Rescue would be great.”

This struggle with lionhead rabbits is a copyrighted report by The Associated Press, 2023. Redistribution or unauthorized broadcasting, publication, or rewriting is strictly prohibited.