A small community in the suburbs of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is facing an invasion of the furry kind. Prior to moving out of the 81-home community in Wilton Manors two years ago, an illegal breeder released a group of Lionhead rabbits.
These “invasive species” have a voracious appetite and don’t pay heed to things they shouldn’t be chewing on. For example, wiring, woodwork, and other similar unwelcome targets. Additionally, the Lionhead rabbits have also been munching on food the locals give them in hopes of deterring them from the other items.
What Makes a Species ‘Invasive’?
Any kind of living organism can be considered an invasive species. This includes plants, amphibians, insects, fungi, bacteria, fish, or even the eggs or seeds of an organism. Anything that is not native to an ecosystem and causes harm.
These species can cause harm not only to the economy and environment but to the health of humans. A few invasive species Florida currently battles with are Burmese pythons, lionfish, giant African snails, and iguanas. Now the small Floridian community has Lionhead rabbits to deal with.
Furry Invasion
Currently, the furry invasion of Jenada Isles consists of roughly 60 to 100 descendants of a group of Lionhead rabbits released by a former community member. These bunnies get their names from the wool that appears around their heads and on their flanks. Experts refer to this as the “mane” gene.
The Lionhead rabbit originates from Belgium. Breeders decided to cross a Swiss Fox with a Netherland Dwarf rabbit. This crossbreeding created agenetic mutation and the birth of the Lionhead rabbit.
Neutralizing the Issue
Spearheading efforts to stop the Lionhead rabbits from becoming a serious issue is Jenada Isles resident Alicia Griggs. She is trying to raise thousands of dollars so a rescue group can capture, neuter, vaccinate, and shelter the bunnies. The final goal is to place the furry critters in their forever homes.
Otherwise, the Lionhead rabbits face the oppressive Florida heat, along with possible attacks from hawks and cats. Plus they would have to deal with dodging vehicles. If nothing is done soon, there is a possibility the government could hire exterminators to eliminate them.
In April, the city commission voted to exterminate the Lionhead rabbits after a trapping company gave them an estimate of $8,000. However, the city hasn’t started the extermination process, yet. Griggs is hoping they can gather the funds needed to save the bunnies.
“People don’t realize they’re exotic pets and they’re complicated. They have a complicated digestive system and they have to eat a special diet,” said Griggs, a real estate agent. “You can’t just throw any table scraps at them.”
By Sheena Robertson
Sources:
The Guardian: Florida neighborhood hopping with lionhead rabbit invasion
National Wildlife Federation: Invasive Species
Animal Corner: The Lionhead Rabbit – Complete Guide & Top Facts
Top and Featured Image Courtesy of Henry Ash‘s Flickr Page – Public Domain License
Inset Image Courtesy of Ludvigem‘s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
