WILTON MANORS — When Alicia Griggs steps out of her suburban Fort Lauderdale home, Florida’s latest invasive species hits the streets: lionhead rabbits.
The rabbits, which sport impressive flowing manes around their heads, want the food Griggs is carrying. But she also represents their best chance for survival and travel where this domesticated breed belongs: inside homes, away from cars, cats, hawks, the Florida heat, and possibly government-hired exterminators. .
Griggs is spearheading efforts to raise the $20,000-40,000 it would cost a rescue group to capture, neuter, vaccinate, house and then donate the 60-100 lion heads that currently inhabit the Jenada Islands. , an 81-home community at Wilton Manors.
Rabbits gather to eat food left by a resident on July 11 at Wilton Manors. The Florida neighborhood is dealing with a growing group of house rabbits on its streets after a breeder illegally released his in suburban Fort Lauderdale.
( WILFREDO LEE | PA )
They are the descendants of a group that a backyard breeder illegally released when she moved house two years ago.
“They really need to be rescued. So we tried to get the city to do it, but they’re dragging their feet,” Griggs said. “They think if they do that, then they’ll have to get rid of the iguanas and everything that people don’t want.”
Monica Mitchell, whose East Coast Rabbit Rescue would likely lead the effort, said capturing them, caring for them and finding them homes “is not an easy process”. Few veterinarians treat rabbits, and many potential owners are hesitant when they find out how much work the animals require. Griggs agreed.
“People don’t realize that these are exotic and complicated pets. They have a complicated digestive system and have to follow a special diet,” said Griggs, a real estate agent. “You can’t throw table scraps at them.”
Alicia Griggs looks at the bunnies outside her home during an interview July 11 at Wilton Manors. Griggs is spearheading efforts to raise the $20,000-40,000 it would cost a rescue group to capture, neuter, vaccinate, house and then donate the 60-100 lionhead rabbits that now inhabit the Jenada Islands, a community of 81 houses located in the suburb of Fort. Lauderdale.
( WILFREDO LEE | PA )
Wilton Manors is giving Griggs and other supporters time to fundraise and relocate the rabbits rather than exterminate them, even though the city commission voted to do so in April after receiving an estimate of $8,000 of a trapping company.
The vote came after some residents complained the lionheads were digging holes, chewing up outdoor cables and leaving droppings on sidewalks and driveways. City commissioners were also concerned that the rabbits could spread to nearby communities and towns and become a traffic hazard if they ventured onto main streets.
“The safety of this rabbit population is of the utmost importance to the city, and any decision to get us involved will be certain to see these rabbits placed in the hands of people who are passionate about providing the care and love needed for these people. rabbits,” police said. Chief Gary Blocker said in a statement.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, which often culls invasive animals, told the city it would not intercede. Rabbits pose no immediate threat to wildlife.
Two bunnies huddle on a sidewalk on Tuesday at Wilton Manors. The Florida neighborhood is dealing with a growing group of house rabbits on its streets after a breeder illegally released his. Residents are trying to raise $20,000 to $40,000 needed to rescue them and get them into homes.
( WILFREDO LEE | PA )
Lionhead rabbits aren’t the only invasive species causing Floridians headaches or worse. Burmese pythons and lionfish are killing native species. Giant African snails eat the stucco of houses and carry human diseases. Iguanas destroy gardens. Like the lion-headed rabbits at Wilton Manors, these populations all started when people illegally released them.
But unlike these species, Florida’s environment is not favorable for lionheads. Instead of the 7-9 years they live when properly housed, their life on the outside is harsh, brutal and shortened.
The lionheads’ thick coat makes them overheat during Florida summers, and their lack of fear makes them vulnerable to predators. Snacking on lawns is not healthy eating. Their illnesses are not cured. They need owners.
Rabbits congregate on the pavement Tuesday at Wilton Manors. The suburban neighborhood of Fort Lauderdale is facing a growing group of domestic rabbits on its streets after a breeder illegally released his.
( WILFREDO LEE | PA )
“Domestic (rabbits) released into the environment are not equipped to thrive on their own,” said Eric Stewart, executive director of the American Rabbit Breeders Association. He said the rancher who released them should be prosecuted, a course the city has not taken.
The Wilton Manors colony survives and thrives solely because lionheads reproduce like the rabbits they are, with females giving birth to litters of two to six cubs each month, starting at 3 months of age. approximately.
On a recent morning in the Jenada Islands, broods of two to ten rabbits dotted the streets and lawns, the bravest hopping towards residents and visitors in search of treats.
Alicia Griggs feeds rabbits outside her home on Tuesday at Wilton Manors.
( WILFREDO LEE | PA )
A large group of rabbits have gathered in the driveway of Gator Carter, who is preparing food for them. He said the lion heads bring joy to the neighborhood and his two young grandchildren love giving them carrots.
“People walk past, stop, love them, feed them,” Carter said. “They don’t bother me. We have a few Airbnbs on the island here and people (guests) are just amazed that bunnies come near them.
But Jon King said he wishes the bunnies were gone soon. They dug into his yard and he spent $200 to fix his outdoor lights after damaging the wiring. He bought a rabbit repellent, but it didn’t work, and his little dog doesn’t scare them: “He’s their best friend. »
Resident Jon King describes the damage caused by rabbits to his home on Tuesday at Wilton Manors. King said they dug into his yard and he spent $200 to fix his exterior lights after damaging the wiring. He bought a rabbit repellent, but it didn’t work and his little dog doesn’t scare them: “he’s their best friend”.
( WILFREDO LEE | PA )
A rabbit crosses the street as a car passes Wilton Manors on Tuesday. The Florida neighborhood is dealing with a growing group of house rabbits on its streets after a breeder illegally released his. Residents are trying to raise $20,000 to $40,000 needed to rescue them and get them into homes.
( WILFREDO LEE | PA )
“Every morning I get up and the first thing I do is plug the holes and chase them out of the garden. I like them, I just wish they went somewhere else,” King said. “A rescue would be awesome.”
By TERRY SPENCER, Associated Press.