European rabbit
About This Species
European rabbits are native to Europe and Northern Africa, and have been introduced to every continent except Antarctica. In British Columbia, European rabbits were brought by settlers and were kept as pets or farmed for their meat and fur. They are established on Southern Vancouver Island, Triangle Island, and in isolated patches around the Lower Mainland.
European rabbits are herbivores and compete with native species for food and habitat. European rabbits can live up to 10 years in captivity.
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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