39. Eastern Cottontail

Eastern Cottontails (Sylvilagus floridanus) were introduced to Sooke in 1964 and since then they have spread through much of the southern and eastern part of Vancouver Island.  Here their numbers fluctuate widely and quickly.  We've had to use wire rabbit-proof mesh on the vegetable garden (the only part of the garden we have fenced against rabbits and deer) in order to ensure we have some greens for ourselves.  They do provide food for both Great Horned and Barred Owls and more than one dinner party here has had an owl-rabbit chase as the half time show.  From time to time we find a rabbit stomach in the woods or on the lawn, and we don't  know what predator has that modus operandi, if you do, leave a comment below.

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