Cute Infestation: Discover How Las Vegas Became Overrun with Bunny Rabbits

Written by Jennifer Hollohan
Updated: March 9, 2023
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Kids adore bunny rabbits. When one gets spotted, the response is usually a string of “oohs” and “awws.” And, inevitably, the request to get a bunny rabbit for a pet follows. Sometimes, the cute rabbits in the pet store are too great a temptation to resist. So families scoop up the cute furry creatures and bring them home. But, unfortunately, the shine often quickly wears off. And that means Americans abandon their pet bunny rabbit more than any other animal.

Sometimes, the bunnies end up in shelters, but not always. Pet bunny rabbits are let loose into public spaces more often than many realize. And that creates a problem. So much so that the rabbits can start overrunning cities and towns. One great example is Las Vegas, now overrun with bunny rabbits. Below, we will dive into how that happened and what the city is doing to resolve the problem.

Bunny Rabbit Basics

First, we must look at some basic information on bunny rabbits to understand why letting them go in public is a problem. 

The primary issue is their rapid reproduction rate. A female rabbit’s pregnancy is short, usually only around 30 days. And when they give birth, the litter may be as large as 14. Additionally, that same female can become pregnant again almost immediately. So, the adage “multiply like rabbits” speaks the truth.

Many predators, like coyotes and birds of prey, pursue bunny rabbits. So they hide in underground burrows during the day to avoid detection and escape the day’s heat. 

Rabbits Binky

Rabbits reproduce at a very rapid rate.

©Rita_Kochmarjova/Shutterstock.com

When Did Bunny Rabbits Invade Las Vegas?

No one is quite sure when the problem originated. However, it became noticeable around 2012. Then by 2017, there were an estimated 800 to 1,200 roaming around the city. The bunny rabbit troubles likely started with the abandonment of pet bunnies. And due to their rapid reproduction, the problem compounded quickly.

However, the reproduction rate isn’t the only factor contributing to the problem. Las Vegas residents continue to abandon their pet bunnies regularly. Rabbit advocates and shelter workers know of at least two popular “dumping” areas in the city. So, without a solution to the pet abandonment problems, the city will continue to fight an uphill battle against the bunnies.

baby rabbit pups

Bunnies are the most commonly abandoned pets.

©iStock.com/Sasiistock

How is Las Vegas Trying to Solve the Problem?

Las Vegas and the state of Nevada have taken significant steps over the years to try and combat the bunny rabbit infestation. In 2015, the state awarded a contract to a local animal sanctuary to curtail the explosive population growth. And they managed to make a sizable dent in the bunny rabbit population. But, unfortunately, it was short-lived. The rabbit population in Las Vegas was back to previous levels in under six months. 

An organization called Bunnies Matter is working diligently to capture the bunny rabbits roaming the city. They partner with individuals to care for the bunnies, pay vet bills, and feed them. Additionally, they are attempting to find homes for the rabbits. However, there are not enough qualified adoptive owners to handle the sheer volume of rabbits in Las Vegas.

The problem gets compounded by the fact that Animal Control won’t assist without complaints from the public. And the rabbits are outside the jurisdiction of the Department of Wildlife. So various Las Vegas companies and organizations are partnering with Bunnies Matter to try and find solutions.

One innovative, though concerning, solution comes from the South Summerlin golf course. The rabbits in Las Vegas have caused devastating damage to the greens. So the golf course hired falconers (handlers for birds of prey). The falconers use a technique called raptor abatement. They started bringing their hawks and falcons to the South Summerlin golf course at the start of 2022 to assist in controlling the rabbit population.

Netherland dwarf rabbit

Las Vegas has taken many steps to curtail the bunny rabbit problem, but none are long-lasting solutions.

©Jeroen Mikkers/Shutterstock.com

Does Las Vegas Still Have a Bunny Rabbit Problem Today?

Yes, the city is still overrun. But there is not an official estimate on the total number. Bunnies Matter is still working hard to help mitigate the problem. They are placing bunny rabbits into adoptive homes as quickly as possible. However, they are working at capacity. As of October 2022, they could not take any more rabbits in. 

baby rabbit friend

Bunnies Matter is working hard to find as many adoptive homes as possible.

©iStock.com/UroshPetrovic

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Preediwat/Shutterstock.com


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About the Author

Jennifer Hollohan is a writer at A-Z Animals, where her primary focus is on gardening, mammals, and travel. Jennifer has over twenty years of writing experience. She holds a Master of Arts in Anthropology from the University of Colorado at Boulder, which she earned in 2005, and is a Herbalist. Jennifer lives in Colorado with her family. She loves hiking, admiring wildflowers, gardening, and making herbal tea.

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Sources
  1. Las Vegas Sun, Available here: https://lasvegassun.com/news/2017/aug/07/with-the-population-of-abandoned-bunnies-exploding/
  2. KTNV News, Available here: https://www.ktnv.com/news/hawks-used-to-thin-grass-gobbling-rabbit-population-at-south-summerlin-golf-course
  3. Bunnies Matter, Available here: https://bunniesmatter.org/