RIVERHEAD, N.Y. (WCBS 880) — Residents say the bunny population on Long Island is exploding and experts say there’s a reason for that.
Across Suffolk County, residents have said they have seen an abundance of rabbits this summer. Even WCBS 880’s Sophia Hall has seen floppy-eared animals scampering around more frequently than in years prior.
Leslie Lupo, a wildlife biologist for the Department of Environmental Conservation, says the reason why more bunnies are seen hopping about is likely due to a decline in predatory species on Long Island.
“Fox populations are somewhat in decline due to a multi-year mange issue with them,” Lupo said.
Mange is an infection of the skin in animals caused by a parasitic mite. The parasite itself is not deadly, but it can cause infections that can lead to death, according to veterinary experts.
The decline in the fox population, which are the main predators of rabbits, could be causing the bunny population to increase dramatically, according to Lupo.
However, she says the rabbit population has been known to fluctuate frequently over the years.
“The populations do fluctuate with weather conditions, the predators that are also out on the landscape, car strikes, people who have their cats outside – so all those, including access to food, water and shelter – all those things contribute to whether there is more or less bunnies,” Lupo said.
Experts note that domesticated rabbits are much different than wild rabbits and if a domesticated rabbit is spotted outdoors, residents should contact a volunteer group, such as Long Island Rabbit Rescue Group, to help.
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