'Sure they're cute, but they're not pets. They're wildlife.' That's the message of a University of Victoria educational campaign aimed at dealing with a population explosion of feral rabbits - domestic animals that have been abandoned on campus. For some students, they have become unofficial mascots. But 'feral rabbits cause problems in several different ways,' says Neil Connelly, director of campus planning and sustainability. 'They're particularly a problem in our athletic fields, where they burrow holes ... and can be a real health and safety hazard to our athletes.' Grounds crews also have had to put up fences to try to keep feral rabbits from eating newly planted vegetation. But student Charlie Wells says the bunnies add to the ambience: 'They're like nice furniture, they're like a nice addition.'
"You see all kinds of rabbits, from cute little bunnies to great big scary-looking rabbits with torn ears." Martin AinsleyUniversity of Victoria student
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