What kills rabbits in my yard?

What Kills Rabbits in My Yard? A Comprehensive Guide

The causes of rabbit mortality in your yard can vary, but commonly involve predators, diseases, starvation, and environmental hazards. Identifying the specific culprit is crucial for effective prevention and management.

Understanding the Threat to Rabbits in Your Backyard

Rabbits, those seemingly carefree hoppers, are surprisingly vulnerable creatures. Their idyllic lives in our backyards are often fraught with danger, making the question of “What kills rabbits in my yard?” a pertinent one for any homeowner noticing a decline in their local rabbit population. Understanding these threats is the first step towards protecting these animals, if that is your intention. This guide will explore the main causes of rabbit deaths, offering insight into how you can identify and potentially mitigate these risks.

Predation: Nature’s Way

Predators represent a significant threat to rabbits. These agile animals are a natural food source for many species.

• Common Predators:

  • Dogs and Cats: Domestic pets, particularly those with a strong hunting instinct, can easily catch and kill rabbits.
  • Foxes: Highly skilled hunters, foxes are a primary predator of rabbits in many areas.
  • Hawks and Owls: These birds of prey can swoop down and snatch rabbits from above.
  • Snakes: Especially larger snakes, can prey on young rabbits (kits).
  • Coyotes: Found in a wider range of areas than foxes, coyotes are opportunistic hunters.
  • Weasels: These slender predators can enter burrows to hunt kits.

• Signs of Predation: Look for carcasses with signs of being eaten, partially eaten rabbits, or scattered fur.

Diseases: Silent Killers

Rabbits are susceptible to a variety of diseases, some of which can be fatal. These diseases are often transmitted through insect bites, contaminated food, or direct contact with other infected rabbits.

• Common Diseases:

  • Tularemia: A bacterial infection transmitted by ticks and flies, causing fever, lethargy, and potentially death.
  • Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV): A highly contagious and often fatal viral disease causing internal bleeding and organ failure. RHDV is a significant concern.
  • Myxomatosis: Another viral disease spread by insects, causing swelling around the head and eyes, and often leading to death.
  • Coccidiosis: A parasitic infection affecting the intestines and liver, causing diarrhea, weight loss, and weakness.
  • Fibromatosis: A viral disease that causes tumors, which can affect their ability to eat or move.

• Signs of Disease: Observe rabbits for lethargy, discharge from eyes or nose, difficulty breathing, skin lesions, or unusual behavior. Sick rabbits often appear thin and unkempt.

Starvation and Malnutrition: The Struggle to Survive

Rabbits need a constant supply of food to maintain their health and energy levels. If resources are scarce, they may starve.

• Causes of Starvation:

  • Habitat Loss: Development or changes in the landscape can reduce the availability of natural food sources.
  • Overpopulation: Too many rabbits in a small area can lead to competition for food, especially during winter months.
  • Poor Quality Food: Consuming foods lacking essential nutrients.

• Signs of Starvation: Look for rabbits that appear emaciated, weak, and lethargic. They may also have difficulty moving or foraging.

Environmental Hazards: Dangers in Plain Sight

The environment itself can pose threats to rabbits, leading to injury or death.

• Common Hazards:
  • Pesticides and Herbicides: Ingesting poisoned vegetation can be fatal.
  • Traps: Rabbits may accidentally get caught in traps set for other animals.
  • Roads: Being hit by vehicles is a common cause of rabbit mortality, especially in areas with high traffic volume.
  • Drowning: Young rabbits can drown in uncovered window wells or pools.
  • Extreme Weather: Severe cold, heat, or flooding can be deadly, especially for young rabbits.

Poisoning

Unfortunately, poisoning is a risk rabbits face in yards. This can be due to several reasons:

• Intentional Poisoning: Though illegal and unethical, some individuals might intentionally poison rabbits. This is usually done via poisoned food or bait.
• Accidental Poisoning: This is far more common. Rabbits may ingest pesticides, herbicides, or rodenticides used in the yard. They can also be poisoned by consuming plants treated with systemic insecticides. It is very important to read all labels of any chemicals you use in your yard. Even seemingly harmless products can be toxic to rabbits.

Mitigation Strategies: What You Can Do

While completely eliminating all risks to rabbits is nearly impossible, there are steps you can take to improve their chances of survival.

• Predator Control:

  • Keep pets indoors or supervised when they are outside.
  • Install fencing around gardens or vulnerable areas.
  • Provide rabbits with hiding places, such as brush piles or dense vegetation.

• Disease Prevention:

  • Maintain a clean yard to reduce insect populations.
  • Provide rabbits with a healthy diet to boost their immune systems.
  • Report any suspected cases of RHDV to your local wildlife authorities. Early detection is vital.

• Food Availability:

  • Avoid removing all natural vegetation; rabbits rely on it for food.
  • Provide supplemental food during winter months, such as hay or rabbit pellets.
  • Plant rabbit-friendly plants in your garden (while accepting that they might be eaten!).

• Environmental Safety:

  • Avoid using pesticides and herbicides in your yard, or choose rabbit-safe alternatives.
  • Cover window wells and other potential hazards.
  • Drive carefully in areas where rabbits are common.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rabbit Mortality

What kills rabbits in my yard? is a multi-faceted question, but the answers below offer further insight.

Are baby rabbits more susceptible to these threats?

Yes, baby rabbits (kits) are significantly more vulnerable due to their small size, underdeveloped immune systems, and reliance on their mother. They are easier targets for predators, more susceptible to diseases, and less able to cope with extreme weather conditions.

How can I tell if a rabbit died from RHDV?

Unfortunately, RHDV often kills rabbits quickly and without obvious external signs. You might find a dead rabbit with no apparent injuries. Internal bleeding is a key symptom, but it’s usually only visible during a necropsy performed by a veterinarian or wildlife expert. Contacting wildlife authorities is the best course of action.

Is it possible for rabbits to die of stress?

While rare as a direct cause of death, chronic stress can weaken a rabbit’s immune system, making them more susceptible to diseases and predation. Stress can be caused by constant harassment from pets, loud noises, or sudden changes in their environment.

Can rabbits get poisoned from eating grass treated with weed killer?

Absolutely. Many weed killers contain chemicals that are toxic to rabbits. Even if the product claims to be “pet-safe,” it’s crucial to read the label carefully and avoid using it in areas where rabbits forage.

What should I do if I find a dead rabbit in my yard?

Wear gloves and use a shovel or other tool to carefully dispose of the carcass. Avoid direct contact with the rabbit. If you suspect RHDV or another contagious disease, contact your local wildlife authorities for guidance on proper disposal.

Are certain breeds of rabbits more prone to dying?

Wild rabbits (such as cottontails) have evolved to survive in their natural environment. However, domestic rabbits that escape or are released into the wild often lack the skills and instincts necessary to survive and are more susceptible to predation and starvation.

Can rabbits die from eating too much lettuce?

While lettuce isn’t directly deadly, feeding rabbits excessive amounts of certain types of lettuce (especially iceberg) can cause digestive upset and diarrhea, which can weaken them and make them more vulnerable to other threats. Variety in their diet is key.

How long do wild rabbits typically live?

Wild rabbits typically live for only 1-2 years due to the many threats they face. Domestic rabbits, on the other hand, can live for 8-12 years or even longer with proper care.

Is it normal to find dead baby rabbits in the spring?

Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon to find dead baby rabbits in the spring. Kits are particularly vulnerable to predation, disease, and exposure to the elements.

How can I help rabbits in my yard during the winter?

Provide supplemental food, such as hay or rabbit pellets, and ensure they have access to shelter from the cold and wind. Leave some areas of your yard undisturbed to provide natural cover.

Are there any plants that are poisonous to rabbits?

Yes, several plants are poisonous to rabbits, including azaleas, daffodils, lilies of the valley, and rhubarb leaves. Avoid planting these in areas where rabbits are likely to forage.

Can rabbit populations recover after a disease outbreak?

Yes, rabbit populations can recover after a disease outbreak, but it can take time. Factors such as the severity of the outbreak, the availability of resources, and the presence of predators can all influence the recovery process.