A Gardeners Forum Forums General Discussion The Banter Hall The Critter Corner Back yard visitor

When I took my first look out my back window this morning, this guy was exploring my back yard. At least he was until my cats started showing too much interest.

I know my cat Taboo has caught rabbits and squirrels before. She's the best huntress of the two. It was Taffy, though, who made a lame attempt for this rabbit.

That rabbit has had one TOUGH life.

Yes, looks like it may have once had a lucky escape from a bullet that clipped it's ear.

Yes. That is an Eastern Cottontail. They are a VERY popular game animal that are hunted extensively in the U.S. Generally you hunt those with a shotgun, because they always run from you, but I had a friend who always used a rifle. He was an Extraordinary shot. That ear nick could be from a fight with another rabbit. You've probably been bit by a rabbit before, Stevie. Two Bean Bags sent me to the ER a couple of years ago for some sutures for a NASTY bite he gave me on the hand. He was a young hormonal Buck then. He has GREATLY mellowed with age and is sweeter than a kitten now. NOW, Rainbow is starting to cut up. He lunged and butted me when I was cleaning his cage yesterday. I tapped him on the nose and said, "STOP THAT, you stump-tailed rat!" He got all quiet and pouty then.

Yes, he wouldn't enjoy being compared to his rodent cousin! We've had similar experiences with our rabbits, although most wounds we recieved were from scratches. They used to fight like cats and dogs, but now they just fight like ...er, rabbits. They have mellowed with age, and enjoy each other's company, so now they can both enjoy the back yard nearly all the time, together.

I have purple scars all over my arms from rabbit scratches. People probably think I am suicidal.