Fudge and the Rabbit!!!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

 

 

We have another rabbit in our yard and I feel the same about that rabbit as I do about an uninvited guest. It is making my life a living hell.  Now, don’t get me wrong, I like rabbits. Over the years, I have become quite fond of Thumper and Bugs Bunny.  I always liked Bug’s sense of humor and the way he made Elmer Fudd look like a moron. That rabbit sure could make me laugh. Unfortunately, the rabbit we have in our yard does not seem to have the same wit or intelligence.  It just keeps coming back despite the fact that we have shooed it away repeatedly, stomped around to scare it before we let the dogs out, and pleaded with it to vamoose.  My husband tried to name our own pet rabbit Stew, but this one we have added “pid” to the end of Stew and come up with an even better name for this little guy.

 

Last night was the last straw.  My husband has been out of town the past two nights and I have gotten up with these dogs at least three times each night.  Fudge is beside herself all day looking out our foyer window as that rabbit comes in and out of our yard like he owns the joint. Fudge is my dog that loves a long nap, but now she has turned into this vigilant beast that runs from window to window in the hopes of getting a better glimpse of her arch nemesis. She has taken to letting out these whines while checking the perimeter that really grates on my nerves. Vern, meanwhile, is along for the ride. I don’t even know if he realizes what is causing all this turmoil, but he wants in on the action. I just imagine him saying, “Dude, this is rad, fer sure,” to Fudge as he follows along behind her. He also likes to play his own little game called, “Stalk and Pounce on Fudge,” as she waits for that rabbit to make a move.  Usually, Fudge is not receptive to this game.

 

This morning after having to get up at 1:30 am, 5:30 am, and 7:00 am because Fudge sensed that the rabbit was on the move and Vern felt it necessary to come tell me and include me in the fun, I am sad to say I am hoping that rabbit meets his maker soon. I am sorry, but I think I could be scaring our neighbors with my morning cries of, “Get out of my yard or I will release the Hounds of Baskerville!” and god forbid they look out their window and see me in the get up I had on this morning.  My hair looked like it had not been combed since March, I accessorized my terry cloth robe with a Land’s End striped scarf because I couldn’t find my robe belt, and I had on rubber boots found at the last minute at the front door.  I am also starting to scare myself because I hear myself saying to a DOG, "Fudge, the rabbit has gone night night."  Maybe it is sleep deprivation that is making me sound heartless, so I will amend that to say, “I hope the rabbit finds the rabbit of his/her dreams and they decide to travel the world and leave today.”  It surely cannot take two rabbits that long to pack and hit the road.

 

Meanwhile, if anyone has any ideas about relocating a rabbit, it would be most appreciated by the neighbors and me. We are desperate. I just know that vindictive rabbit is out there somewhere doing this:

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Thanks, Linda. I think I am going to hand that rabbit an eviction notice :)

[Sue, Lola, Pongo & Hubby]

This is my worst nightmare. We don't have any right now (we will NOW because I just said that).....I don't have any advice, but goooooood luck!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Thanks, Sue!

[Bonnie and Kona]

Let's hope there are not two rabbits or you will be overrun soon! I am shocked that Fudge hasn't chased that culprit down yet. Sorry about the sleep deprivation...  UGH!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I was worried too about a nest somewhere. Fudge has gotten one, but this one keeps running through the fence in the nick of time.

[Elizabeth, Bailey & Bruin]

I don't have a solution for you...But just wanted to say thanks for laugh (at your expene) this AM.

 

I have been a 'lurker" on DK for 6 months or so before getting Bailey last week.  Just wanted to tell you I love Vern and Fudge's name...it makes me giggle..

 

Go luck with the "wabbit" issue!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Awww....that is sweet about Fudge and Vern's name. You almost have to say them together to get the full effect...LOL. Congratulations on your little Bailey. You will have plenty of stories to tell us all soon.

[Tina, Clover, Plus 5 More]

Laurie, the only way I know of is to use a Live Trap.  You can get one at a farm supply or sporting goods store that carries hunting equipment.  They are easy to use and about the only way to catch a wild rabbit.  If you decide to use live trap bait it with pieces of bread and assortment vegetables.  If you need to know how to use a live trap let me know or the store can if you buy one.

Another option, which may sound disgusting is to use coyote or another predator animal urine.  Feed stores, garden centers and stores that sell trapping supplies may carry it.  Use cat litter works sometimes too. 

If none of these are something you want to do.  You can always start feeding it outside the fenced area and hope it will not come back in the yard. 

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

If we put out coyote urine, will it attract coyotes?

[Tina, Clover, Plus 5 More]

During mating season if the urine is from a female in heat.  Most urine collected is from males.  Since coyotes are territorial more than likely no.  If coyotes are a problem in your area I would check with the DNR first before using it as a repellent. 

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

I am checking into it. Coyotes are a huge problem, especially since I live on an acre with woods in the back.

[Tina, Clover, Plus 5 More]

I probably would not take the chance.  I've heard that using Wolf urine works as a coyote deterent.  It expensive and needs applied frequently.  But if there is a food source the coyotes will stay until it is gone.  If a coyote see a food source in your yard and is hungry the coyote is going to go for it.