European rabbit
About This Species
European rabbits are native to Europe and Northern Africa and have been introduced to every continent except Antartica. They were originally introduced in BC by settlers and were kept as pets or farmed for their meat and fur. European rabbits are herbivores and compete with native species for food and habitat. They can prevent regeneration of BC’s native shrubs and trees. They build underground habitats called warrens that cause land degradation and increase erosion. European rabbits can live up to 10 years in captivity. European rabbits are designated as a Regional Containment/Control species by the BC Provincial Priority Invasive Species List.
How to Identify
European rabbits in BC are descended from domestic rabbits, and so have the same variety in size and fur colour as rabbits sold in pet stores. They may be white, black, brown, or a combination of colours.
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Invasive species are plants, animals or other organisms that are not native to BC, and have serious impacts on our environment, economy and society. Never release your plants and animals into the wild or dump aquariums or water garden debris into rivers, streams, lakes or storm sewers!
