During this Easter long weekend, the Vancouver Park Board is advising people not to let go of, give food to, or touch rabbits at Jericho Beach.
The rabbits in the grassy area around the beach that are not domesticated are seen as a colony of invasive species.
Many of them used to be pets that either got away or were intentionally let go.
The Jericho group is rapidly growing in number, pushing out native species and causing harm to ecosystems, as stated by the board.
Despite the warnings, visitors at Jericho continue to give food to and interact with the rabbits.
“Easter bunnies, purchased as a present, are unfortunately often abandoned in the park once the excitement wears off and the responsibility of owning a pet becomes apparent,” the board stated in a release.
“Not only does this add to the negative effects of wild rabbits in the park but it also leaves domesticated animals scared, undernourished, and at risk of a wide range of harmful consequences including traffic accidents, predators, and disease.”
Any instances of wildlife feeding should be reported immediately by calling 311 or using the Van311 app.
