The lion-headed rabbits invading the Wilton estates may stand a chance if the rescue organization gets help, activists say.
WILTON MANORS, Florida. – More exotic pets are turning into invasive species in South Florida. This time, a domesticated lion-headed rabbit has taken over the community of Wilton Manors.
Alicia Griggs said that in her area on the Genata Islands, there is a growing population of rabbits with a thick wooly mane around their heads.
Griggs, a real estate agent, said the negligent neighbor left something behind.
“She threw the rabbits out on the street without repair, and they are breeding,” Griggs said.
Efforts are being made to save the rabbits. Monica Mitchell of the nonprofit East Coast Rabbit Rescue is ready to help, but Griggs needs to raise thousands.
“This place is not the perfect place for them,” Mitchell said. “We caught about 19 rabbits today, and some have head injuries.”
Mitchell worries that some rabbits may have diseases that can be contagious to humans and pets.
“They eat grass that people put pesticides on, there is no source of water for them, maybe only rain,” Mitchell said. “The organization’s plan is to spay, vaccinate and microchip the rabbits and relocate a few rescued rabbits.”
Rabbits also dug holes in people’s yards and damaged wires. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, which responds to non-native species, found no threat, so commissioners at Wilton Manors decided to hire a hunter.
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