Question 1

What is the difference between wild, feral, and domestic rabbits?

Accepted Answer

"Wild" animals are indigenous to the area in which they live and are adapted to that area's environment. In Southern Alberta, you will find Cottontails (aka "bush bunnies"), White-tailed Jack Rabbits (which are actually hares, not rabbits), and Snowshoe Hares. Cottontails are quite small, retain their fur color year-round, and don't dig holes. Hares are larger than rabbits, with longer ears and legs, and change colors between the seasons.

Domestic rabbits are native to Europe and not well suited for most Canadian climates. Feral rabbits are domestic rabbits that are born "in the wild" to parents who have only known "the wild." Feral colonies are a plague to urban environments—the rabbits proliferate at an alarming rate and cause damage to lawns and gardens, as well as drawing in predators, such as coyotes. Colonies can only be avoided by neutering your pet rabbit and not abandoning pet rabbits outside.

While some wild and domestic rabbits look similar (brown), the easiest way to tell the difference is if the fur is black, full white (especially with red eyes), gray, orange, spotted, or striped.

Question 2

Why do domestic rabbits need to be rescued?

Accepted Answer

Many people wonder why domestic rabbits need to be "rescued" from outside when they seem to be surviving just fine. Domestic rabbits come from Europe and are an entirely different species from our native wild rabbits/hares. Since domestic rabbits are 1) bred as domesticated pets, and 2) not native to this continent, they do not have the same instincts as wild rabbits and cannot survive long-term in the wild, even if that "wild" is your local neighborhood.

Bunnies who have been dumped/abandoned or have gotten loose from an outdoor set-up are subject to the following dangers:
 • Predators, including domestic dogs and cats
 • Teasing/torture by humans
 • Moldy or poisonous plants
 • Being hit by cars
 • Toxic pesticides or fertilizers
 • Exposure to sun, heat, wind, wet, or extreme cold
 • Dehydration
 • Bacteria contained in dirt
 • Diseases spread by flies and mosquitoes
 • Worms, ticks, fleas, mites, and flystrike
 • Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease virus (RHDV & RHDV2)
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Rabbits who have been dumped outside also tend to find each other and proliferate at an alarming rate! The saying "multiply like rabbits" exists for a reason. Females can produce a litter of, on average, 1-14 babies every 28 days! It does not take long to develop a feral colony that wreaks havoc on lawns and gardens and draws in predators that are also dangerous to humans, such as coyotes.

Archie's Rescue encourages domestic rabbits to be kept as indoor house pets only. This ensures that they live longer, healthier, and happier lives with you. (Secure, outdoor exercise is okay with supervision only.)

Question 3

Do you rescue wild rabbits?

Accepted Answer

It is illegal to capture and/or contain wild animals; however, if you find an injured wild rabbit, you can contact us through Facebook Messenger, Instagram, or our contact form, as we are familiar with City procedure.

Question 4

I am outside of your jurisdiction. Are there rescues in my area?

Accepted Answer

Archie's Exotic Pet Rescue is based in Lethbridge, Alberta and supports exotic pet foster and adoption activity within Southern Alberta as far as Calgary. Other rescues that we know of and/or have had dealings with can be found here (link coming soon).

Archie's Exotic Pet Rescue is located in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions