Rabbits and hares

Homeowner, rental or HOA

Prevent problems

Key strategies

• Install sturdy fencing buried at least 12 inches deep around sheds, decks, and similar structures to prevent rabbits and hares from burrowing under.
• Keep vegetation trimmed near buildings to reduce attracting rabbits and hares and concealment for burrow entrances.

Around home

• Inspect buildings for gaps or holes along foundations, skirting, and porches. Seal openings with durable materials such as hardware cloth or metal flashing.
• Keep vegetable gardens, flower beds, and young shrubs protected from rabbits and hares with sturdy fencing made of metal mesh. Fencing should be buried at least 12 inches underground to prevent burrowing underneath.
• Use tree guards or hardware cloth around young trees and shrubs, especially during winter when natural foods are scarce.
• Clear brush piles, dense vegetation or similar structures near homes to reduce shelter for rabbits and hares.
• Harvest garden produce and fallen fruit promptly to reduce attracting rabbits and hares.

Pets and livestock

• Rabbits and hares generally avoid pets, but may bite if cornered. Keep dogs leashed or fenced if they are likely to chase rabbits and hares, which can lead to injury for both animals.
• Livestock are not typically affected by rabbits and hares, but installing rocks or sturdy erosion-control materials along areas that livestock use often may help prevent rabbits and hares from creating burrows hazardous to livestock and equipment.

Solve a problem

Non-lethal methods

• Preventing rabbits and hares from accessing food and secure areas to make burrows is the most effective way to reduce conflicts.
• Sturdy fencing at least two feet tall with 3 inch or smaller holes can help protect gardens or individual plants from rabbits and hares.
• Rabbit and hare damage to plants can be identified by clean, 45-degree angled cuts on stems and woody twigs, usually occurring within 2 feet of the ground. Bark may often be gnawed off trees and shrubs, commonly leaving vertical tooth marks from their incisors.
• If rabbits or hares are using a den under a porch or shed, watch for the animal to leave or place ammonia-soaked rags at the burrow entrance to encourage the animal to leave. Once vacant, securely block the entrance.
• Various rabbit and hare deterrents, such as predator decoys and chemical sprays, are available from retailers. However, their effectiveness is often brief or lacking, and alternative methods may need to be used.
• If damage from wildlife is occurring but you are not sure what type of animal is causing it, setting up at least one trail camera at that location is a good way to identify the animal.
• Michigan DNR does not authorize or conduct live capture and release of rabbits and hares other than for permitted research.
• If you find an injured rabbit or hare or young animal that you believe it’s mother is dead, you can contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator before removing it from the wild. Only licensed wildlife rehabilitators may possess abandoned or injured wildlife.

Lethal methods

• A cottontail rabbit may be lethally removed using a legal weapon or trap on private property year-round by property owners or their designees without a written permit if doing damage or physically present where it could imminently cause damage.
• If a snowshoe hare is causing damage or could imminently cause damage contact a local DNR Wildlife Division office to request a removal permit.
• If hunting or trapping is allowed in your area, cottontail rabbits can be removed during the regulated season provided a valid hunting or trapping license.
• Snowshoe hares can be removed with legal hunting methods during regulated season provided a valid hunting license.
• A nuisance animal control company may be of assistance with rabbits or hares.

Local government

Prevent problems

Key strategies

• Install fencing buried 12 inches deep around public buildings and similar structures to prevent rabbits and hares from burrowing under.
• Keep vegetation trimmed near buildings to reduce attracting rabbits and hares and concealment for burrow entrances.

Your community

• Educate residents and staff about minimizing food sources, such as fallen fruit and gardens, particularly near brushy areas which may attract rabbits and hares and other wildlife. Spring and summer outreach is especially effective.
• If a rabbit or hare enters a window well or enclosed space and cannot get out, a rough board can be placed diagonally to allow it to climb out safely. Where possible, fence off the space to prevent another occurrence.
• Implement ordinances and enforcement that prohibit feeding rabbits, hares, and other wildlife that may cause problems.

Public spaces

• Inspect municipal buildings and park structures for foundation openings that may allow burrowing. Seal holes with durable materials.
• Remove or secure abandoned structures and rock piles and wood piles that could provide shelter for rabbits and hares.

Pets and livestock

• Educate residents about keeping dogs leashed or fenced if they are likely to chase wildlife. Rabbits and hares generally avoid pets, may bite if cornered, and lead to injuries to dogs and rabbits or hares.
• Rabbit and hare burrows may occasionally pose a hazard to livestock. Inspect areas where livestock roam to ensure rabbits and hares are not creating burrows.

Solve a problem

Non-lethal methods

• Preventing rabbits and hares from accessing food and secure areas to make burrows is the most effective way to reduce conflicts.
• Sturdy fencing at least 2 feet tall with 3 inch or smaller holes can help protect gardens or individual plants from rabbits and hares.
• Rabbit and hare damage to plants can be identified by clean, 45-degree angled cuts on stems and woody twigs, usually occurring within 2 feet of the ground. Bark may often be gnawed off trees and shrubs, commonly leaving vertical tooth marks from their incisors.
• If a rabbit or hare is using a den in an undesirable location, watch for the animal to leave or place ammonia-soaked rags at the burrow entrance to encourage it to leave. Once vacant, block the entrance with sturdy material and backfill the hole when time allows.
• Various rabbit and hare deterrents, such as predator decoys and chemical sprays, are available from retailers. However, their effectiveness is often brief or lacking, and alternative methods may need to be used.
• If damage from wildlife is occurring but you are not sure what type of animal is causing it, setting up at least one trail camera at that location is a good way to identify the animal.
• Michigan DNR does not authorize or conduct live capture and release of rabbits and hares other than for permitted research.
• If someone finds an injured rabbit or hare or young animal that they believe it’s mother is dead, they can contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator before removing it from the wild. Only licensed wildlife rehabilitators may possess abandoned or injured wildlife.

Lethal methods

• A cottontail rabbit may be lethally removed using a legal weapon or trap on private property year-round by property owners or their designees without a written permit if doing damage or physically present where it could imminently cause damage.
• If a snowshoe hare is causing damage or could imminently cause damage contact a local DNR Wildlife Division office to request a removal permit.
• If hunting is allowed in your area, cottontail rabbits can be removed during the regulated season provided a valid hunting or trapping license.
• Snowshoe hares can be removed with legal hunting methods during regulated season provided a valid hunting license.
• A nuisance animal control company may be of assistance with rabbits or hares.

Business or school

Prevent problems

Key strategies

• Install fencing buried 12 inches deep around buildings and similar structures to prevent rabbits and hares from burrowing under.
• Keep vegetation trimmed near buildings and playgrounds to reduce attracting rabbits and hares and concealment for burrow entrances.

Grounds

• Inspect building foundations and exterior structures and seal any gaps that could invite burrowing.
• Keep landscaping debris and cafeteria waste secured to avoid attracting rabbits and hares.
• Protect landscaped areas, school gardens, or ornamental plantings with sturdy fencing at least two feet tall with holes 3 inches or smaller buried at least 12 inches in the ground.
• Maintain vegetation around buildings to minimize shelter for rabbits and hares and concealment of burrows.

Pets and livestock

• Educate staff and visitors about keeping dogs leashed or fenced if they are likely to chase wildlife. Rabbits and hares generally avoid pets, may bite if cornered, and lead to injuries to dogs and rabbits and hares.
• Rabbit and hare burrows may occasionally pose a hazard to livestock. Inspect areas where livestock roam to ensure rabbits and hares are not creating burrows.

Solve a problem

Non-lethal methods

• Preventing rabbits and hares from accessing food and secure areas to make burrows is the most effective way to reduce conflicts.
• Sturdy fencing at least 2 feet tall with 3 inch or smaller holes can help protect gardens or individual plants from rabbits and hares.
• Rabbit and hare damage to plants can be identified by clean, 45-degree angled cuts on stems and woody twigs, usually occurring within 2 feet of the ground. Bark may often be gnawed off trees and shrubs, commonly leaving vertical tooth marks from their incisors.
• If a rabbit or hare is using a den in an undesirable location, watch for the animal to leave or place ammonia-soaked rags at the burrow entrance to encourage it to leave. Once vacant, block the entrance with sturdy material and backfill the hole when time allows.
• Various rabbit and hare deterrents, such as predator decoys and chemical sprays, are available from retailers. However, their effectiveness is often brief or lacking, and alternative methods may need to be used.
• If damage from wildlife is occurring but you are not sure what type of animal is causing it, setting up at least one trail camera at that location is a good way to identify the animal.
• Michigan DNR does not authorize or conduct live capture and release of rabbits and hares other than for permitted research.
• If someone finds an injured rabbit or hare or young animal that they believe it’s mother is dead, they can contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator before removing it from the wild. Only licensed wildlife rehabilitators may possess abandoned or injured wildlife.

Lethal methods

• A cottontail rabbit may be lethally removed using a legal weapon or trap on private property year-round by property owners or their designees without a written permit if doing damage or physically present where it could imminently cause damage.
• If a snowshoe hare is causing damage or could imminently cause damage contact a local DNR Wildlife Division office to request a removal permit.
• If hunting is allowed in your area, cottontail rabbits can be removed during the regulated season provided a valid hunting or trapping license.
• Snowshoe hares can be removed with legal hunting methods during regulated season provided a valid hunting license.
• A nuisance animal control company may be of assistance with rabbits or hares.

Agriculture

Prevent problems

Key strategies

• Install sturdy fencing buried at least 12 inches deep around barns, sheds, and similar structures to prevent rabbits and hares from burrowing under.
• Keep vegetation trimmed near buildings to reduce attracting rabbits and hares and concealment for burrow entrances.

Your farm or orchard

• Keep buildings, hoop houses, and other structures protected from rabbits and hares with sturdy fencing made of metal mesh. Fencing should be buried at least 12 inches underground to prevent burrowing.
• Harvest fallen fruit and garden produce promptly to reduce attracting rabbits and hares.
• Install tree guards or sturdy fencing at least two feet tall to protect young fruit trees and other high value woody plants from browsing.
• Minimize dirt piles, brush piles and similar structures that rabbits and hares find attractive for shelter.
• Rabbits and hares damage to crops is typically concentrated on field edges bordering woodlots, especially where brush piles and similar structures provide secure burrowing.
• Plants will have clean, 45-degree angled cuts on stems and woody twigs, usually occurring within 2 feet of the ground. Bark may often be gnawed off trees and shrubs, commonly leaving vertical tooth marks from their incisors.
• Rabbit and hare damage to crops viewed from tree top level will often look like a mower cut plants in a line several rows into the field.

Pets and livestock

• Rabbits and hares generally avoid pets, but may bite if cornered. Keep dogs leashed or fenced if they are likely to chase rabbits and hares, which can lead to injury for both animals.
• Livestock are not typically affected by rabbits and hares, but installing rocks or sturdy erosion-control materials along areas where livestock frequent may help prevent rabbits and hares from creating burrows hazardous to livestock and equipment. Materials can be covered with soil for aesthetic and safety purposes.

Solve a problem

Non-lethal methods

• Preventing rabbits and hares from accessing food and secure areas to make burrows is the most effective way to reduce conflicts.
• Sturdy fencing at least 2 feet tall with 3 inch or smaller holes can help protect gardens or individual plants from rabbits and hares.
• If a rabbit or hare is using a den under a barn or other building, watch for the animal to leave or place ammonia-soaked rags at the burrow entrance to encourage the animal to leave. Once vacant, securely block the entrance.
• Various rabbit and hare deterrents, such as predator decoys and chemical sprays, are available from retailers. However, their effectiveness is often brief or lacking, and alternative methods may need to be used.
• If damage from wildlife is occurring but you are not sure what type of animal is causing it, setting up at least one trail camera at that location is a good way to identify the animal.
• Michigan DNR does not authorize or conduct live capture and release of rabbits and hares other than for permitted research.
• If you find an injured rabbit or hare or young animal that you believe it’s mother is dead, you can contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator before removing it from the wild. Only licensed wildlife rehabilitators may possess abandoned or injured wildlife.

Lethal methods

• A cottontail rabbit may be lethally removed using a legal weapon or trap on private property year-round by property owners or their designees without a written permit if doing damage or physically present where it could imminently cause damage.
• If a snowshoe hare is causing damage or could imminently cause damage contact a local DNR Wildlife Division office to request a removal permit.
• If hunting is allowed in your area, cottontail rabbits can be removed during the regulated season provided a valid hunting or trapping license.
• Snowshoe hares can be removed with legal hunting methods during regulated season provided a valid hunting license.
• A nuisance animal control company may be of assistance with rabbits or hares.

Airport

Prevent problems

Key strategies

• Install fencing buried 12 inches deep around buildings, hangers, and similar structures to prevent burrowing.
• Keep vegetation trimmed near buildings to reduce attracting rabbits and hares and concealment for burrow entrances.

Around buildings

• Inspect buildings and hangars for gaps in foundations or structures that could allow rabbits and hares burrowing. Seal openings with durable materials.
• Ensure food sources such as cafeteria waste and garbage are secured.
• Use animal-proof garbage receptacles when possible.
• Maintain vegetation and reduce debris around buildings to limit shelter opportunities.

Airfields

• Minimize shelter for rabbits and hares by keeping vegetation short and removing debris piles, rock piles, or abandoned structures.

Solve a problem

Non-lethal methods

• Preventing rabbits and hares from accessing food and secure areas to make burrows is the most effective way to reduce conflicts.
• Sturdy fencing at least 2 feet tall with 3 inch or smaller holes can help protect small areas of landscaping from rabbits and hares.
• Rabbit and hare damage to plants can be identified by clean, 45-degree angled cuts on stems and woody twigs, usually occurring within 2 feet of the ground. Bark may often be gnawed off trees and shrubs, commonly leaving vertical tooth marks from their incisors.
• If a rabbit or hare is using a den under a hanger or other building, watch for the animal to leave or place ammonia-soaked rags at the burrow entrance to encourage the animal to leave. Once vacant, securely block the entrance.
• Various rabbit and hare deterrents, such as predator decoys and chemical sprays, are available from retailers. However, their effectiveness is often brief or lacking, and alternative methods may need to be used.
• If damage from wildlife is occurring but you are not sure what type of animal is causing it, setting up at least one trail camera at that location is a good way to identify the animal.
• Michigan DNR does not authorize or conduct live capture and release of rabbits and hares other than for permitted research.
• If you find an injured rabbit or hare or young animal that you believe it’s mother is dead, you can contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator before removing it from the wild. Only licensed wildlife rehabilitators may possess abandoned or injured wildlife.

Lethal methods

• If rabbits or hares are causing a public safety issue at an airport, a DNR Wildlife Division regional supervisor or district law enforcement supervisor or their designee can issue a removal permit without investigation.
• If hunting is allowed on airport property, cottontail rabbits and snowshoe hares can be removed during the regulated season provided a valid hunting license.
• For rabbit or hare issues not related to public safety, contact a nuisance animal control company.