From: Deb Sexsmith Date: Fri, 18 Apr 2008 15:31:57 To:"pspurr@shaw.ca" Subject: Rabbit Research Peter, Thank you for meeting with our Rabbit Review Working Group on Friday, April 4, 2008. We appreciate your patience while we deal with our campus related issues and as noted in our meeting, I assure you that the university does not consider status quo as an option. You asked us to provide you with some information with respect to the rabbits and provide an outline of potential solutions for residents. I have attached a brief note I received from the Ministry of Education explaining how rabbits are dealt with by the Wildlife Act. In summary, all rabbits in BC are considered wildlife and with that are some regulations. Below is information extracted from the Ministry of Environment website (link provided below). RABBITS * Rabbits can consume approximately 1/2 kg of green vegetation daily. Significant damage can occur when rabbits are attracted to orchards, gardens or agricultural crops. * Damage to gardens, ornamental trees or agricultural crops usually occurs when the fixtures are located in close proximity to deciduous forests (rabbit habitat). * Damage can also occur when natural rabbit food is scarce or has dried up in hot weather. * Installing woven wire mesh fencing or electrical fencing can prevent rabbit damage. * Placing wire mesh around individual trees can protect small ornamental trees. * The fungicide, Thiram has been registered in the United States as a squirrel and rabbit repellent. Thiram is used in the golfing and Turf business. * In areas that area open to hunting and the discharge of firearms or bows, rabbits can be harvested by hunters possessing a valid BC hunting licence. * Municipal bylaws may prohibit the use of traps, firearms and bows. Contact the local bylaw department. * If you are experiencing property damage as a result of rabbits, contact a licensed pest control company. Pest control companies can be found in the yellow pages. http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/cos/info/wildlife_human_interaction/docs/nuisance_fauna.html#rabbits Of particular note, homeowners do not require a permit to trap rabbits on their property. Traps can be rented from several companies listed in the phonebook. Once trapped, however, there are limited options. A pest control company will dispose of the trapped rabbits in a humane manner or call the Saanich Pound. Relocating the rabbits to another location is not permitted unless it is within a certain distance from your home and on crown land. Fencing options are available. Pest-exclusion fencing will deter rabbits and other pests from entering garden areas. The best type of fencing to use has extra wire-line at the bottom with small links throughout. Chain link fence is not the most effective. These fencing products can be purchased at most garden centres and I have found that most staff are very informative on the matter. I hope this information is of some assistance to you. Please feel free to contact me should you have any questions or require more information. Deb ________________________________________ Deb Sexsmith | Assistant to the Vice-President Finance and Operations | University of Victoria email: debs@uvic.ca | phone: 250 721 7017 | fax: 250 721 6677