Rabbits being rabbits

[heronblu]

I have seen more rabbits this year than I can ever remember seeing. I'm thinking this is going to be a fun year with a lot of rabbit in the freezer and maybe some new hats and mittens!

[Fl0und3rz]

I'd say I have seen about 2X the typical amount in suburbia King County.  Blast away.

[johnnyaustin44]

I also have seem way more than normal from everett to arlington. Usually between 6-7 in my yard every morning.

[GBoyd]

The same down here in Tualatin. The farm where I work has tons running around, damaging trees. They're open year round here so I've been taking my bow out before work.

[KenPCPilot]

I used to have coyotes behind my development.  The last time I heard them was last Thanksgiving.  They are clearing a portion for new homes.  I think the coyotes have left because the rabbit population is crazy.  My son counted 8 in the neighbors yard recently.  Thankfully I have dogs so they stay out of my nice landscaping.  I live on a street about 1/8 mile long and I would not be surprised if there is at least 50 rabbits. 

[Dbax129]

I have been seeing a lot of rabbits in kitsap county too. Just mentioned to my wife I dont ever remember seeing so many.
Does anybody have info on what type are around? Aome are closed and others are open year round. How to ide tify and what species ranges are. It would be fun to hunt them if I knew I could...

[seth30]

it seems that way in Whidbey too.  Back in 2010 I remember seeing rabbits everywhere as well.  Maybe its a five year cycle

[Jonathan_S]

It was a good year to get beagles based on the number of rabbits I have seen.  Hares too.

You know rabbits typically have a pretty dramatic cycle in population.  I think it's every 7 years they peak in most areas.  No facts to back it up but it stands out in my memory.

[jasnt]

Should be a good year for bobcats then

[Jonathan_S]

Should be a good year for bobcats then

Wish I could run my hounds on them too 

[jackelope]

It was a good year to get beagles based on the number of rabbits I have seen.  Hares too.

You know rabbits typically have a pretty dramatic cycle in population.  I think it's every 7 years they peak in most areas.  No facts to back it up but it stands out in my memory.

That's what I thought too.
 

[jasnt]

It was a good year to get beagles based on the number of rabbits I have seen.  Hares too.

You know rabbits typically have a pretty dramatic cycle in population.  I think it's every 7 years they peak in most areas.  No facts to back it up but it stands out in my memory.

this is true. Bobcats and lynx fallow the same cycle with them

[Jonathan_S]

Well if this is a peak year then my beagles are going to think they are the best rabbits dogs on earth...reality wont set in until next year 

[KenPCPilot]

be careful when eating them.  If they have swollen lymph nodes in the neck they can be infected with Tularemia.  wear protective gloves to avoid contact.  If rabbit appears sick or if you see the liver has white spots the meat is probably infected and should not be eaten. 

[Jonathan_S]

be careful when eating them.  If they have swollen lymph nodes in the neck they can be infected with Tularemia.  wear protective gloves to avoid contact.  If rabbit appears sick or if you see the liver has white spots the meat is probably infected and should not be eaten.

Yep, always check the liver.  Tularemia is almost non-existent in cold weather months (rabbit season)