Rescue Day or days
Basic Rabbit Behavior:
Rabbits are faster than humans and can change direction instantly.
If you approach a rabbit, it will typically hop in the opposite direction.
Rabbits tend to escape along the fence line or hop across the street, often seeking refuge under cars or in dense brush.
In a large rescue scenario, the first rabbits are usually the easiest to catch, while the last ones can take days or even weeks.
Rabbits learn quickly what you are doing and how to evade capture; they will recognize the sounds associated with x-pens and the presence of people.
Skittish rabbits will flee at the first sight of a human.
If a rabbit encounters an x-pen, it may hop backward or along the side, giving you only a split second to grab it.
You cannot pick up and hold a rabbit; instead, you must secure it gently without causing harm. The goal is to immobilize the bunny with your hands or with the net on the ground.
Rabbits tend to be most active at dawn, dusk, and late at night.
If a rabbit is caught, it may emit a loud scream, a high-pitched sound that is unforgettable, but you must remain calm and hold on.
General Guidelines
Focus on Life or Death: Remember, rescuing the bunny is a matter of life and death.
Stay Alert: Minimize distractions. Silence your phone and keep conversations to a minimum, as rabbits are sensitive to noise.
Follow Directions: Pay attention to the instructions given by the rescue leader.
Keep Scanning: Continuously look around. Rabbits often hide under bushes, cars, and other cover.
Maintain Visual Contact: Once you see the bunny, keep your eyes on the bunny. Do not approach directly, and communicate its location to the team. You cannot rescue a bunny that you can not see.
Game Plan for the Rescue Team
Roles and Responsibilities
Rescue Leader: Assigns tasks and coordinates the team during the rescue.
Spotter: This key role involves keeping constant visual contact with the bunny. Always stay aware of its location without getting too close, and inform the team of any changes.
Baby Bunnies: Energetic members who can help transport heavy x-pens to set up the rescue area. Be ready to move multiple x-pens over long distances.
X-Pen Holders: Essential for securing the x-pens. These team members will hold the ends and middle sections to prevent rabbits from escaping.
Rabbit Herders: Tasked with guiding the bunny toward the x-pens. Position yourself strategically, keeping in mind that rabbits often move in the opposite direction of the herder.
Public Relations Person: Engages with the public to explain the rescue efforts and address any concerns. Direct people away from the area and be prepared to answer questions.
Possible Public Concerns? The PR person of the group should handle these questions. It does help to have a person who lives there if the rescue is on a public street.
What are you doing? Who are you?
How did you hear about the rabbits?
Where will they go if caught?
They’ve been here for months; they’re fine?
They belong to someone down the street?
I saw you on my property; I’m calling the police!
Rabbit Rescue Procedure
Step-by-Step Guide
Set Up the X-Pens: Arrange the x-pens in a zigzag pattern to create a "C" or "horseshoe" shape. Place them close to the bunny and make use of any nearby walls or fences for support. If the bunny is hiding under a bush, car, or similar cover, try to encircle it with the x-pens.
Begin Herding: Once the x-pens are in place, start herding the bunny toward them. It's best to have several people involved, as rabbits are fast and can cover a lot of ground quickly. If the bunny stops, take a moment to rest as well.
Spotter Responsibilities: The spotter must always keep visual contact with the bunny from a distance.
Prepare for Capture: When the bunny approaches the x-pens, team members in the second line (behind the lead) should be ready with nets.
Lead the Capture: The lead person will notify the team when they are about to try to catch the bunny. They should clearly communicate their position and direct the team on where to move, especially if the bunny changes direction. For instance, if the bunny moves to the right, the lead should guide others accordingly to keep the bunny within the trap area.
Bunny Rescue at the Public Park
We recently rescued a bunny at a large public park along the bay. The rescue was challenging due to the hillside and dense brush, which made it difficult to guide the bunny into the x-pens. The spotter was able to follow the bunny and saw the bunny resting under some brush. We had only one chance to act; if the bunny moved under the elevated walkway behind the brush, our opportunity would be lost.
As the spotter positioned at the top of the walkway, I directed the placement of the x-pens using the "Baby Bunnies" team.
Dropping the X-Pens: We dropped the x-pens from the walkway. Team members then moved them to secure the area.
Placement Around the Bush: The x-pens were placed on the sides of the bush, away from the bunny.
Setting Up in Front: X-pens were positioned in front of the bunny.
Securing the Area: We moved some of the x-pens (8 to 10) closer once we were confident they were securely surrounding the large brush.
Monitoring Exit Routes: Three people were stationed on the sides of the x-pens, away from the walkway, to cover possible escape routes and help secure the bunny.
Inside the Brush: I entered the brush with my net, along with another person who also went in.
Defining Positions: We identified the positions of the x-pens by naming the people assigned to each side.
Tracking Movements: The person tasked with coaxing the bunny out of the bush communicated its movements to us.
Keeping Eyes on the Bunny: I informed the team when I had visual contact with the bunny.
Successful Capture: Although the bunny managed to slip through the net, the bunny then hopped into the x-pen, allowing us to successfully secure the bunny.