WILTON MANORS, Fla. (AP) — When Alicia Griggs steps outside her suburban Fort Lauderdale home, Florida’s newest invasive species scurries down the street: lionhead rabbits.
These bunnies, with their impressive manes, are desperate for the food Griggs carries. But she represents their best chance of survival and finding their rightful place as domesticated pets, away from cars, cats, hawks, Florida’s heat, and even exterminators.
Griggs is leading the charge to raise between $20,000 to $40,000 to fund a rescue group’s efforts to capture, neuter, vaccinate, shelter, and ultimately find homes for the estimated 60 to 100 lionhead rabbits currently residing in the Jenada Isles community in Wilton Manors.
These rabbits are descendants of a group that was illegally released by a backyard breeder two years ago.
“Their need for rescue is urgent. We’ve tried to get the city to take action, but they’re dragging their feet,” explained Griggs. “They fear that if they address this issue, they’ll have to deal with other nuisance animals like iguanas.”
Monica Mitchell, from the East Coast Rabbit Rescue, would likely lead the rescue effort. However, capturing, treating, and finding homes for the rabbits is no simple task. Rabbits are not commonly treated by veterinarians, and potential owners often back out upon realizing the level of care these animals require, according to Mitchell. Griggs agrees.
“People fail to understand that they are exotic pets and they require specialized care. They have a complicated digestive system and need a specific diet,” said Griggs, who works as a real estate agent. “You can’t just feed them any scraps from the table.”
Rather than exterminating these rabbits, Wilton Manors is giving Griggs and other supporters time to raise funds and relocate the rabbits. This decision came after the city commission approved their eradication following an $8,000 estimate from a trapping company.
The Commission’s vote was influenced by complaints from residents who reported that the lionheads were digging holes, chewing on outdoor wiring, and leaving droppings on sidewalks and driveways. Additionally, commissioners were concerned that these rabbits may spread to other communities and become a traffic hazard if they venture onto major streets.
“The safety of this rabbit population is crucial to the City, and any decision made will prioritize placing these rabbits in the hands of individuals who are passionate about providing the necessary care and love,” said Police Chief Gary Blocker.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, which typically deals with invasive species, has declined to intervene, stating that the rabbits pose no immediate threat to wildlife.
Lionhead rabbits are not the only invasive species causing trouble in Florida. Burmese pythons and lionfish are decimating local species, while giant African snails eat away at homes and carry diseases. Iguanas are destroying gardens. Similar to the lionhead rabbits in Wilton Manors, all of these populations originated from illegal releases.
However, unlike these other species, Florida’s environment is not conducive to the survival of lionhead rabbits. Instead of their typical lifespan of 7 to 9 years when properly cared for, their outdoor lives are harsh, brutal, and shortened.
The lionheads’ thick fur makes them vulnerable to overheating in Florida’s summers, and their lack of fear makes them easy prey for predators. Grazing on lawns is not a healthy diet, and their illnesses often go untreated. They require owners.
“Domesticated rabbits released into the wild are ill-equipped to survive on their own,” explained Eric Stewart, executive director of the American Rabbit Breeders Association. He believes the breeder responsible for their release should face prosecution, a course of action the city has not pursued.
The Wilton Manors colony persists and grows solely due to the rapid breeding of lionheads. Females can give birth to litters of two to six offspring every month starting at around three months old.
On a recent morning in Jenada Isles, groups of two to ten rabbits were scattered across the streets and lawns, with the boldest individuals approaching residents and visitors in search of treats.
A large group of rabbits gathered on the driveway of Gator Carter, who regularly puts out food for them. He finds joy in the presence of the lionheads, and his two young grandchildren love giving them carrots.
“People drive by, stop, love ’em, feed ’em,” Carter said. “They don’t bother me. We have a couple of Airbnbs on the island here, and the guests are amazed when the rabbits come right up to them.”
However, Jon King wants the rabbits gone as soon as possible. They continuously dig in his yard, and he had to spend $200 on repairs after they damaged his outdoor lights. King tried using rabbit repellent, but it had no effect, and even his little dog can’t scare them off. “He’s their best friend,” King lamented.
“Every morning, the first thing I do is cover up the holes and chase them out of the backyard. I don’t dislike them; I just wish they would go somewhere else,” he added. “Rescuing them would be great.”
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