B.C. government steps up highway bunny battle in Victoria

The B.C. government is trying to stay one hop ahead of the feral rabbit population at the Helmcken interchange near Highway 1 in Victoria.

Janelle Irwin, with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, said workers have successfully trapped 120 bunnies since February.

Irwin said pet owners are the main cause of the furry explosion.

"What we've discovered is that there's still some folks that are dropping off rabbits," she said.

"It's making it a bit challenging to keep up our efforts here."

To dissuade people from doing this, Irwin said signs are being installed warning peoplenot to feed the rabbits or stop at the exchange.

The signsalso warn people they could be subject to a hefty fine under the Wildlife Act, releasing or abandoning animals could cost $345 per offence.

"We're installing a security camera to monitor the area and to dissuade folks from thinking its a good idea to abandon their pets."

Irwin said if pet owners can no longer take care of their rabbits, they should contact an animal shelter.

Many resources devoted to the effort

These efforts complement theongoing driveto trap and capture the feral rabbits, she said.

Once the rabbits have been trapped by a qualified trapper they are transported to an interim care facility where volunteers spay and neuter the captured bunnies and prepare them to be relocated to a sanctuary in the U.S.

"[There's] a lot of folks involved, a lot of time involvedand a lot of money involved in this effort."

If they can't get the population under control, the government might have to consider alternate methods to deal with rabbits including euthanasia.

As to why the province has engaged in this particular bunny battle, Irwin said it's a matter of public safety.

"It's not safe for the rabbits and not safe for the travelling public ... we also don't want people stopping on the edge of the highway to picnic with the rabbits or feed the rabbits or drop offmore rabbits."

With files from On The Island

To listen to the interview, click on the link labelled Janelle Irwin, with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, on the Helmcken interchange rabbits