University of Wisconsin - Extension

If you have a garden or invest in landscaping, you may view Wisconsin cottontail rabbits as "the enemy."

Although rabbit damage may be most noticeable in spring and early summer when gardens begin to grow, rabbits cause damage during all seasons, says Scott Craven, University of Wisconsin-Madison/Extension wildlife specialist.

"They eat green plants of vegetable and flower gardens in spring and summer. In fall and winter, they damage and kill valuable woody plants," Craven adds.

When it comes to gardens, carrots are not the only vegetables that cottontails eat. "Anyone who has had a row of peas, beans or beets pruned to ground level knows how rabbits feel about these plants," says Craven.

Corn, squash, cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers and potatoes seem to be relatively immune from rabbit problems.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources estimates that Wisconsin is home to over five million cottontail rabbits. Rabbits can be controlled by natural and active methods.

"Natural control encourages rabbits' natural enemies," says Craven. "Hawks, owls, foxes, mink, weasels and snakes all help farmers, gardeners, homeowners and foresters control rabbits. Even the family cat can be an effective predator on young nestling rabbits."

The second form of natural control is manipulating the rabbit's habitat. Remove brush piles, weed patches, stone piles and other debris where rabbits live and hide. "This can be especially effective in suburban areas where less suitable habitat is likely to be available," Craven adds.

Active control methods include live-trapping or shooting; protecting plants mechanically; using chemical repellents, and excluding rabbits with fences.

In Wisconsin, hunters harvest about one million rabbits a year. "The owner or occupant of a parcel of land may hunt rabbits all year on that land, except for a short time near the gun deer season. Consult Wisconsin DNR regulations," advises Craven.

Live trapping and removal is the best way to remove rabbits in cities, parks and suburban areas.

To protect backyard gardens and berry patches, Craven suggests putting up fences. "A fence of two-foot chicken wire with the bottom tight to the ground or buried a few inches is sufficient," adds Craven. Fences also may be constructed from commercial rabbit wire or other materials. "Be sure the mesh size will not allow a rabbit to squeeze through," adds Craven.

Several chemical repellents discourage rabbit browsing. "Always follow the directions for application listed on the container. Repellents require safe storage and handling," Craven says.

Some gardeners may use "gimmicks" such as rubber snakes, water-filled bottles for scary reflections or streamers and pinwheels, but these are rarely effective.

"I recommend an appropriate program of removal, mechanical protection and habitat cleanup," says Craven. "A rabbit or two may get around your defenses, but the problem will certainly be reduced."