by Nathan Boddy
The Hamilton City Council was given a presentation on Tuesday, September 20th by KC York, President and Founder of Trap Free Montana. York had requested inclusion on the evening’s agenda to discuss the town’s response to the growing number of rabbits that populate many areas off Hamilton. On June 28th, the Hamilton City Council adopted a measure that used an allocation of $2000 to cooperatively trap and dispose of nuisance rabbits in town. That measure contracts with a trapper who then earns a fee per rabbit captured.
York began her presentation by defining the rabbits in Hamilton as being of European stock having been bred for show and meat. “These are not free ranging,” she said, adding, “they are not feral.” York pointed out that the rabbits seen in many areas of town in yards, streets and sidewalks have no relation to any of the rabbits that are native to the state of Montana. “These are not designed for survival on their own,” she said. “These bunnies have been abandoned. They’ve been dumped and they quickly reproduce.”
The essential point in York’s presentation is that the rabbits in Hamilton are present because of neglect and careless management by humans. She argued that, while they may appear to have an ideal existence, they often succumb to heat, cold, food shortage, cars, as well as dogs and cats. While they do reproduce quickly (male ‘bucks’ can reproduce at 10 weeks of age), this only means a growing problem within an area where large populations of rabbits can find some semblance of refuge.
“There is no easy fix,” said York about the rabbit population problem, “but we have to change the narrative. We can’t continue to dispose of and destroy other beings because they annoy us, or it’s too much trouble to do other things. That’s not okay.” As an example, she questioned why bears, moose, and deer are dealt with in other ways than trapping. York added, “I caution you about the message we are sending to children, that this is how we deal with a problem or a complaint.”
Her point was well illustrated by a presentation which included photos of several rabbits that have been shot with blow darts in recent weeks. York brought one of the darts and passed it around for the council members to view. She reported having saved two such rabbits whose injuries would have been slow but ultimately fatal,
and delivered by weaponry that is explicitly prohibited within the city limits of Hamilton. Reading from the description of the gun that shoots such a projectile, York quoted that it, “delivers the most extreme penetration into any target.” Indeed, the dart she brought for viewing had bent upon impact with the rabbit’s nasal cavity. “We’re better than this, and we need to put a stop to it.”
York’s organization advocates for non-lethal methods to control the rabbit population, including deterrents, rabbit proof fencing and removal of other enticing habitats such as wood piles. She asked that, if a citizen calls the City in order to pursue solutions to excessive rabbits in their area, that they be given the phone number for Trap Free Montana as well. “We want to be there (to tell people) there’s another option. We’ll come out, take a look at the property and see what the problem is.” She pleaded with the council to foster compassionate, humane and responsible actions toward wildlife.
York also informed the council that Trap Free Montana is offering a $1000 reward for any information that leads to the conviction of the individual or individuals using the illegal air darts to shoot rabbits in town. Section 9.32.015 of the Hamilton City Code specifically prohibits “discharge of any arrow or projectile through the use of a bow or other device in or over any street, road, park, or public ground.”
Trap Free Montana can be reached at: 406-218-1170.