Residents of the MTCA area have noticed that the rabbit population at the University of Victoria has been growing, and the rabbits have now established themselves in the MTCA area. Rabbits have been observed underneath the portable buildings at Campus View Elementary School, as well as in several neighbourhood yards. Rabbits can bite, and there is also a concern that this overpopulation may result in predators, such as cougars, being attracted to the area - there have been cougar sightings on Mt. Tolmie in recent years. Rabbits cause damage to plants and gardens and their digging creates dangerous potholes in playing fields.

The MTCA executive has been following this problem and has met with the task force formed by the University of Victoria.

UVic's request for the public's help with rabbits - 2009 Sep 1

Letter from the MTCA to Saanich raising concerns over rabbits crossing Gordon Head Rd. - 2008 Jun 2

     [original Word format of above document]

Letter from UVic to the MTCA regarding meeting with the UVic Rabbit Review Working Group - 2008 Apr 18

Letter from UVic to the MTCA regarding Review of Domestic Rabbits - 2007 Oct 15   [original Word format]

Letter from UVic to the MTCA acknowledging letter and creation of a task force - 2007 Sep 17

Letter from the MTCA to UVic regarding rabbits - 2007 Sep 9

Cougar Sightings and Saanich Police Warnings

Cougar sighting in Playfair park, Cumberland Rd. at Rock St. - 2008 Aug. 12 (Saanich police warning & suggestions to protect children and adults from cougars)

Cougar sighting in 2600 block Queensbury Dr. - 2008 June 29 (Saanich police warning & suggestions to protect children and adults from cougars)

Cougar sighting in Mt. Douglas park, Cedar Hill Rd. at Ash Rd. - 2008 Feb. 22 (Saanich police warning & suggestions to protect children and adults from cougars)

Cougar sighting at UVic near campus housing and Mystic Vale. - 2006 May 22 (University of Victoria press release)

Cougar spotted on Mt. Tolmie including Saanich police warning - 2005 Sep 14

Cougar sighting at UVic near campus housing and Mystic Vale. - 2005 May 7 (Martlet [University of Victoria student newspaper] news article)

Cougars are a natural part of the wildfile at Gowlland Tod Provinicial Park in Central Saanich

Information on Rabbits

More information on damage caused by rabbits and suggestions to minimize the damage can be found at BC Ministry of Environment - Rabbits

Read how the City of Kelowna has been growing more concerned about this problem and is now spending $56,000 to help combat it:

City of Kelowna European Feral Rabbit Control Program

Globe and Mail story on Kelowna's rabbit problem

TRACS (The Responsible Animal Care Society) Kelowna Feral Rabbit Relocation Program


The following is an excerpt from an e-mail from UVic to the MTCA:

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 most staff are very informative on the matter.