Rabbits
Identification
Rabbits come in various colours, ranging from white to black, brown, grey or even mixed patterns.
Rabbits can reach up to 80 cm in length.
Rabbits front legs are shorter than their hind legs, which allows them to move quickly and jump high. Rabbits also have strong back muscles, allowing them to run at speeds of up to 45 miles per hour.
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Rabbits are often compared to hares and other small furry creatures. However, what sets them apart is their physical appearance. Rabbits have long ears that can rotate up to 270 degrees, allowing them to catch sounds from different directions effectively. Their hind legs are also longer than the front ones, making them fast runners capable of escaping predators.
Another notable feature of rabbits is their fur. They have a soft, dense coat that provides insulation against cold temperatures. The coloration of their fur varies from one breed to another but can be predominantly brown or gray with white patches on the belly and tail area. Additionally, rabbits possess sharp claws for digging and powerful teeth for chewing vegetation.
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What Are Rabbits?
Rabbits are small mammals belonging to the family Leporidae. They are known for their powerful hind legs, long ears, short tails, and continuously growing incisors. These features help them move quickly, detect potential danger, and chew the plant material that makes up much of their diet.
Rabbits are found in many parts of the world. Depending on the species, they may live in grasslands, woodland edges, fields, scrubland, and urban or suburban environments.
Although rabbits and hares look similar, they are not the same animal. Many rabbit species are relatively small and use sheltered areas or burrows for protection. Hares are generally larger, have longer ears and legs, and often give birth to more developed young in shallow nests above ground.
Rabbits are herbivores, meaning they eat plant material rather than hunting other animals. Their natural diet can include grasses, leaves, buds, herbs, and other vegetation. When their usual food is limited, gardens and landscaped areas may provide an attractive alternative.
Wild rabbits should also be distinguished from domestic rabbits. Pet rabbits depend on people for suitable housing, food, and veterinary care. Wild rabbits have different needs and should not be treated as abandoned pets simply because they appear close to a home.
What Do Rabbits Look Like?
Rabbits have several physical features that make them relatively easy to recognize.
Long Ears
Their ears help them detect sounds from their surroundings. Ear length and shape vary between species, and rabbits may move their ears independently to monitor different directions.
Strong Hind Legs
Rabbits have powerful back legs that allow them to accelerate quickly and jump over obstacles. When startled, they may make a sudden dash towards nearby vegetation or a sheltered hiding place.
Short Tail
Most rabbits have a small tail that is often lighter underneath. Its appearance varies by species, but the tail is usually much shorter than the tail of many other mammals.
Continuously Growing Teeth
Rabbit incisors continue growing throughout their lives. Chewing fibrous vegetation helps wear down their teeth naturally. This is one reason rabbits regularly feed on stems, leaves, grasses, and other plant material.
Soft Fur and Camouflage
Their fur may be brown, grey, tan, white, or a mixture of these colours, depending on the species. Natural colouring helps many wild rabbits blend into soil, dry grass, and surrounding vegetation.
Size, colour, and ear shape alone are not always enough to identify a rabbit species accurately. If identification matters for wildlife management, consider the animal’s overall appearance, behaviour, location, and habitat.
Where Do Rabbits Live?
Rabbits generally prefer places that provide three basic resources: food, shelter, and protection from predators. Their exact habitat depends on the species. Some rabbits use burrows, while others shelter in dense vegetation or shallow depressions in the ground.
Gardens and Backyards
Residential gardens can provide rabbits with easy access to grass, vegetables, flowers, and ornamental plants. Flower beds, hedges, sheds, and shrubs may also provide hiding places. A quiet backyard with thick vegetation and limited disturbance can become a regular feeding or resting area.
Fields and Grasslands
Open areas with grasses and low-growing plants provide food. Nearby shrubs, hedgerows, and other cover offer places to hide when danger approaches.
Woodland Edges
The edges of wooded areas often provide a useful combination of vegetation, shelter, and feeding opportunities. Rabbits may move between these areas and nearby gardens or landscaped properties.
Burrows and Sheltered Areas
Some rabbit species dig burrow systems in suitable soil. Others use natural hollows, dense vegetation, or sheltered ground-level locations. Not every hole in a garden is a rabbit burrow. Other animals, including rodents and some larger mammals, can create similar openings. Look for additional evidence before deciding which animal is responsible.
Urban and Suburban Properties
Rabbits can adapt to developed environments when suitable habitat remains available. Lawns, parks, gardens, and undeveloped land between buildings may provide food and shelter.
Their presence does not automatically indicate poor property maintenance. Rabbits are naturally attracted to vegetation, and even well-maintained gardens can offer suitable feeding opportunities.
What Do Rabbits Eat?
Rabbits mainly eat plant material. Their diet changes with the season, the available vegetation, and the species.
Common foods include:
- Grasses and clover
- Leaves and young shoots
- Plant buds and tender stems
- Wild herbs and other vegetation
- Garden vegetables
- Flowers and ornamental plants
- Bark and twigs, particularly when other food is limited
A rabbit may ignore one plant while repeatedly feeding on another. Food preferences can vary depending on local conditions and the availability of alternative vegetation.
Why Rabbits Eat Garden Plants
Gardens often contain young, tender growth that is easy for rabbits to reach. Newly planted vegetables and seedlings may be particularly vulnerable because they have not yet developed extensive foliage.
Rabbits may feed on lettuce, beans, peas, and other garden crops. They can also browse flowers, shrubs, and young trees.
During colder months, green vegetation may become less available. Rabbits may then feed on woody stems, buds, and bark. This can damage young trees and shrubs even when the garden contains little other attractive vegetation.
Keeping a garden tidy may help with some wildlife problems, but removing every plant or natural feature is neither necessary nor practical. Targeted protection of vulnerable plants is usually a better starting point.
What Are the Signs of Rabbit Activity?
Rabbits can visit a property without being seen frequently. However, several clues may indicate that they are feeding or sheltering nearby.
1. Cleanly Clipped Plant Stems
One of the clearest signs of rabbit feeding is damage to low-growing plants. Stems may appear neatly clipped, with an angled cut rather than a rough tear. Rabbits often feed close to the ground, so the damage may be concentrated on seedlings, vegetables, and lower branches.
This sign is useful but not conclusive. Other animals can also damage plants, so consider the height, shape, and pattern of the cuts alongside other evidence.
2. Missing Seedlings and Vegetables
A row of seedlings that disappears or becomes shorter overnight may indicate feeding activity. Rabbits can consume tender plants before they become large enough to withstand browsing. Check for additional signs, such as clipped stems, droppings, or small tracks near the damaged area.
3. Rabbit Droppings
Rabbit droppings are generally small, round pellets. They may appear around feeding areas, beneath shrubs, or near places where rabbits regularly rest. Droppings can help identify repeated activity, but they should not be handled unnecessarily. Keep children and pets away from concentrated animal waste, and use appropriate hygiene practices when cleaning affected areas.
4. Bark Damage on Young Trees
Rabbits may chew bark or low branches on young trees and shrubs. Damage can become more noticeable during colder weather when other food is less available.
If bark has been removed around much of a young trunk, the tree may suffer serious injury. A protective trunk guard or wire cylinder can help prevent further feeding.
5. Tracks and Small Paths
In suitable soil, mud, or snow, rabbits may leave tracks that indicate movement between feeding and sheltering areas. Repeated movement can also create narrow paths through low vegetation. However, tracks can be difficult to identify, especially when weather, pets, or other animals disturb the ground.
6. Repeated Activity Near Dense Vegetation
Rabbits may regularly appear near hedges, bushes, garden borders, or other sheltered places. If a rabbit repeatedly disappears into the same area, observe it from a distance before disturbing the vegetation. There may be a resting place or nest nearby.
7. Small Depressions or Possible Nest Sites
Some rabbits create shallow nests in sheltered ground. A nest may contain dry vegetation and fur, sometimes beneath grass or other plant cover. Do not assume every shallow depression is a nest, and avoid digging into suspected nesting areas. If young animals may be present, keep pets and children away and seek advice from an appropriate wildlife professional before disturbing the site.
For a broader overview of animals that can affect residential properties, readers can explore Acme Pest Solutions’ guide to other common pests.
Why Do Rabbits Come Into Gardens?
Rabbits usually enter gardens because the area provides something they need. Understanding these attractions makes prevention more effective.
Accessible Food
Vegetable beds, flowers, grass, and young plants can provide convenient food. Gardens with many tender plants may attract repeated visits.
Safe Hiding Places
Dense shrubs, tall grass, brush piles, and overgrown corners provide shelter. Rabbits prefer areas where they can quickly escape if disturbed.
Nearby Natural Habitat
A garden beside a park, field, hedgerow, or other green space may experience more rabbit activity because the animals can move between habitats.
Mild Disturbance
Rabbits may become accustomed to ordinary activity in some residential areas. A garden does not need to be completely quiet for rabbits to visit.
Seasonal Food Changes
Rabbit feeding patterns may change throughout the year. Tender spring growth can attract feeding, while winter conditions may increase browsing on woody plants.
The goal is not necessarily to remove all wildlife from the property. Instead, identify the specific resource attracting rabbits and protect the areas where their presence causes a problem.
What Damage Can Rabbits Cause?
A rabbit eating a few leaves is not usually a serious concern. Repeated feeding, however, can affect gardens, landscaping, and young plants.
Damage to Vegetable Gardens
Rabbits can feed on seedlings, leaves, stems, and developing vegetables. This may reduce plant growth and leave gaps in rows of crops.
Repeated browsing can be especially frustrating after planting, when young plants have limited foliage and are still establishing their roots.
Damage to Flowers and Ornamental Plants
Many ornamental plants produce tender shoots and buds that rabbits may eat. Flower beds can develop bare patches, and plants may struggle to recover if feeding continues.
Injury to Trees and Shrubs
Chewing can remove bark, damage branches, and affect young woody plants. Extensive bark loss may interfere with the movement of water and nutrients within the tree.
Young trees and newly planted shrubs often benefit from individual protective barriers.
Lawn and Landscape Problems
Rabbit feeding and droppings can affect the appearance of lawns and garden beds. Concentrated activity may also create visible paths through vegetation.
Before treating a lawn problem as rabbit damage, check whether other causes may be involved. Pet activity, disease, insects, drainage issues, and other wildlife can create similar symptoms.
Repeated Repair and Replacement
The cost of rabbit damage may come from replacing seedlings, repairing protective barriers, replanting flowers, or replacing injured shrubs. For many homeowners, a properly installed fence or plant guard is a more practical long-term solution than repeatedly replacing damaged plants.
Humane Wildlife Removal Service
Acme Pest Solutions offers humane wildlife removal services to ensure the safety and well-being of both animals and humans.
Our team at Acme Pest Solutions is trained to handle a variety of wildlife species and uses eco-friendly and humane methods to ensure the safety of both the animals and the environment.
How to Keep Rabbits Out of Your Garden
The most reliable approach is to prevent rabbits from reaching the plants you want to protect. A combination of physical barriers, habitat adjustments, and carefully selected deterrents may be useful.
1. Install a Suitable Garden Fence
A small-mesh wire fence is often the most dependable option for protecting a vegetable garden or flower bed. For many residential gardens, a fence approximately 60 centimetres high can provide a useful starting point. Local rabbit species, terrain, and snow conditions may require adjustments.
Choose mesh openings small enough to prevent young rabbits from squeezing through. Secure the bottom edge closely to the ground, or bury part of it where practical, to discourage rabbits from passing underneath.
Inspect the fence regularly for gaps, loose sections, and damaged wire.
2. Protect Young Trees and Shrubs
Use a sturdy tree guard or wire-mesh cylinder around vulnerable trunks. The barrier should prevent rabbits from reaching the bark without rubbing tightly against the tree.
Leave enough space for normal growth, and check the guard periodically to make sure it does not become constrictive. In areas with deep snow, raise the protection sufficiently because rabbits may reach higher portions of a trunk when standing on accumulated snow.
3. Remove Excessive Hiding Cover Near Vulnerable Plants
Overgrown grass, brush piles, and dense debris close to a garden may provide convenient shelter. Where appropriate, keep the immediate area around valuable plantings reasonably clear. Retain useful habitat elsewhere where possible, and check for active nests or other wildlife before clearing vegetation.
This approach should reduce unnecessary hiding places without requiring the removal of every shrub or natural feature.
4. Consider Rabbit-Resistant Plant Choices
Some plants are less attractive to rabbits than others, but no plant is guaranteed to remain untouched. When planning a garden, consider using a variety of plants with different textures, growth habits, and characteristics. Ask a local garden centre or horticultural specialist which options are suitable for the climate and soil.
Plant selection works best as one part of a wider prevention plan rather than as the only defence.
5. Use Commercial Repellents Carefully
Commercial rabbit repellents may discourage feeding by making treated plants less attractive through taste or smell. Their effectiveness varies. Rain, irrigation, new plant growth, and changing food availability can reduce their impact, so repeat applications may be necessary according to the product label.
Always check whether a product is suitable for the plant and location where you intend to use it. Do not apply repellents to edible crops unless the label specifically permits that use.
Avoid relying on homemade chemical mixtures or unlabelled products. A substance that irritates rabbits may also injure people, pets, or desirable wildlife.
6. Try Motion-Activated Sprinklers
Motion-activated sprinklers may startle rabbits when they approach a protected area. They can be useful in some gardens, particularly when fencing is difficult to install.
However, rabbits may become accustomed to repeated disturbances. Sprinklers also need suitable placement and may be less practical during freezing weather.
Treat this method as a supplementary deterrent rather than a guaranteed solution.
7. Keep Pet Food and Other Attractants Under Control
Pet food left outdoors may attract various animals, although it is not necessarily the main reason rabbits visit a garden.
Store food securely, remove uneaten portions, and keep rubbish containers properly closed. Clear fallen produce where appropriate, particularly if other wildlife is also visiting the property.
8. Check the Garden Regularly
Look for fresh feeding damage, gaps in fencing, and changes in rabbit activity.
Early detection allows you to protect a vulnerable plant before the damage becomes extensive. If one section of a garden is repeatedly affected, concentrate your prevention efforts there rather than installing barriers around every part of the property.
Are Rabbit Repellents Better Than Fencing?
Neither method is ideal for every situation, but fencing generally offers more dependable physical protection.
Fencing blocks access to plants. Repellents attempt to make those plants less appealing, which means results can change with weather, hunger, and the availability of alternative food.
A comparison can help you choose the right approach.
Method | Main benefit | Main limitation |
Wire garden fence | Provides a physical barrier | Requires correct installation and maintenance |
Tree guards | Protect individual trunks | Do not protect the entire garden |
Commercial repellents | Can protect selected plants without fencing | May need frequent reapplication |
Motion-activated sprinklers | Can discourage visits in some settings | Rabbits may become accustomed to them |
Habitat adjustments | Reduce convenient shelter near vulnerable areas | Cannot remove all nearby rabbit habitat |
Plant selection | May reduce feeding pressure | No plant is completely rabbit-proof |
For a small garden, individual guards and a short fence may be sufficient. For larger areas, the best option depends on the layout, the scale of the damage, and the cost of protecting the plants.
Do Rabbits Live in Burrows?
Some rabbit species dig and use burrows, while others rely on surface cover and shallow resting places.
A burrow can provide protection from weather and predators. Its location may depend on soil conditions, vegetation, and the species involved.
However, not every rabbit creates an extensive underground system. Some wild rabbits shelter in grass, shrubs, or natural depressions.
If you discover a hole near a building, garden shed, or retaining wall, do not immediately fill it in. First determine whether it is active and which animal may be using it.
Blocking an active shelter without understanding what is inside can cause avoidable harm. If the opening is close to a structure or appears to be part of a larger wildlife problem, seek appropriate professional advice before taking action.
For additional information about wildlife around homes, see the guide to what wildlife is and where it lives.
Rabbit Breeding and Life Cycle
Rabbits are known for their ability to reproduce relatively quickly. Their breeding patterns vary by species, climate, food availability, and local environmental conditions.
Mating and Pregnancy
Female rabbits are called does, while males are called bucks. Depending on the species and conditions, rabbits may breed during much of the year.
Domestic rabbit pregnancy commonly lasts about a month, although exact timing can vary. Wild species also have relatively short gestation periods, which can allow populations to increase when conditions are favourable.
Nesting
A female rabbit may prepare a nest using grass, fur, and other soft vegetation. Some species use shallow nests rather than underground burrows.
Nests can be difficult to notice because they may be concealed by grass or other ground cover.
Young Rabbits
Baby rabbits are called kits. Their appearance and development at birth differ between rabbits and hares, and development also varies by species.
Young rabbits gradually become more independent as they grow. A small rabbit seen alone is not automatically abandoned, so avoid picking it up unless there is a clear reason to believe it is injured or in immediate danger.
Seasonal Activity
Rabbit activity may become more noticeable during periods of breeding, feeding, or changes in vegetation. However, there is no single seasonal pattern that applies to every species and location.
If you suspect a nest in your garden, avoid mowing or clearing that area until you have assessed the situation. Keep pets away and contact a qualified wildlife rehabilitator or appropriate local authority if you believe young animals are injured or orphaned.
Are Rabbits Dangerous to People or Pets?
Wild rabbits generally avoid people and are not normally aggressive. Most encounters involve an animal feeding, resting, or quickly moving away when disturbed.
Nevertheless, wild animals should be observed from a distance. Do not attempt to catch, corner, or handle a rabbit unnecessarily.
Health and Hygiene
Like other wild mammals, rabbits can carry parasites or pathogens. The presence of a rabbit does not automatically mean that a property has a health hazard, but normal hygiene is sensible.
Avoid direct contact with droppings, nesting material, or an animal that appears ill. Wash your hands after gardening in areas contaminated by animal waste, and keep children and pets away from wildlife shelters.
Interactions with Pets
Dogs and cats may chase rabbits because of their natural hunting instincts. This can injure the rabbit and may expose a pet to scratches, bites, or other risks during an encounter.
Supervise pets outdoors where rabbit activity is common. If your pet catches a wild rabbit, contact a veterinarian for advice, particularly if an injury has occurred.
What If You Find an Injured Rabbit?
Do not assume that an animal needs to be handled simply because it remains still or does not immediately run away.
Keep people and pets at a distance. Contact a qualified wildlife rehabilitator or appropriate local wildlife authority for guidance if the animal appears seriously injured or is in immediate danger.
Avoid feeding wild rabbits by hand or attempting to raise wild kits without appropriate professional advice.
Common Mistakes When Dealing With Rabbits
Several well-intentioned actions can make rabbit problems harder to manage.
Assuming Every Damaged Plant Was Eaten by a Rabbit
Other animals, insects, and plant diseases can create similar symptoms. Examine the pattern of damage before spending money on a solution.
Installing a Fence With Gaps
A fence may be too low, have openings that are too large, or leave space beneath the bottom edge. Rabbits can take advantage of these weaknesses.
Check the entire perimeter, including gates and uneven ground.
Depending Only on Smell-Based Deterrents
Repellents can lose their effectiveness, particularly after rain or when new growth appears. If rabbits continue feeding, consider adding physical protection.
Disturbing a Possible Nest
Moving vegetation, filling holes, or digging near a suspected nest may injure young animals or separate them from the mother.
Observe from a distance and obtain wildlife advice before disturbing a suspected nesting site.
Using Unsafe Traps or Chemicals
Improvised traps, poisons, and inappropriate chemical mixtures can harm pets, children, rabbits, and other wildlife. They may also violate applicable laws.
Choose practical, humane prevention measures and check local rules before considering wildlife capture or removal.
Expecting One Action to Solve Every Problem
Rabbit activity may continue if food and shelter remain available nearby. Effective prevention often involves repairing barriers, protecting plants, and monitoring the garden over time.
When Should You Seek Professional Wildlife Advice?
Many rabbit-related garden problems can be managed with ordinary barriers and plant protection. However, professional advice may be appropriate when the situation is more complicated.
Consider seeking help when:
- You cannot identify the animal responsible for repeated damage.
- An opening or suspected shelter is close to a building or another sensitive area.
- Wildlife activity is causing substantial or recurring property damage.
- You suspect that young or injured animals are present.
- You are considering trapping, capture, or relocation and are unsure of the applicable requirements.
- Several types of wildlife appear to be using the same area.
A professional assessment should begin by identifying the animal, the nature of the problem, and the conditions attracting it. The appropriate response depends on the evidence rather than assumptions.
Acme Pest Solutions offers residential and commercial pest control, wildlife removal, and bird control. If you are experiencing a wider wildlife issue around your property, you can review the company’s pest control services by specialists to understand the available service information.
Not every rabbit sighting requires removal. Where the issue is limited to garden feeding, physical exclusion and habitat adjustments may be the most suitable starting points.
Rabbit Management and Ontario Wildlife Rules
If you live in Ontario, check the applicable provincial and municipal requirements before attempting to capture or relocate wild animals.
Ontario provides guidance on wild animals damaging private property. The rules depend on the species and circumstances, and certain restrictions apply to wildlife activities. Capture and relocation are also subject to requirements that should be understood before any action is taken.
Do not assume that an animal can be moved to a park or another property simply because it is causing damage. Wildlife relocation may affect the animal’s welfare and can create legal or practical problems.
A responsible approach begins with prevention, careful observation, and an understanding of the relevant rules. If the situation requires handling wildlife, seek qualified guidance rather than improvising a solution.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rabbits
1. What attracts rabbits to a backyard?
Rabbits are attracted to accessible food, suitable shelter, and nearby vegetation. Grass, vegetable gardens, tender shoots, flowers, shrubs, and young trees may provide food, while hedges and dense ground cover offer protection.
Reducing access to vulnerable plants and securing garden boundaries can help limit unwanted feeding.
2. How can I tell if rabbits are eating my plants?
Look for low, cleanly clipped stems, missing seedlings, small round droppings, and damage to young trees or shrubs. Tracks and repeated activity near sheltered areas may provide additional clues.
No single sign proves that rabbits are responsible. Consider the full pattern before choosing a prevention method.
3. What is the most effective way to keep rabbits out of a garden?
A properly installed wire-mesh fence is generally one of the most dependable ways to protect garden plants. The mesh should be small enough to prevent rabbits from passing through, and the bottom should be secured against gaps.
Tree guards, repellents, and habitat adjustments can provide additional protection.
4. Do rabbits come out at night?
Rabbits can be active at different times of day, depending on the species, weather, disturbance, and local conditions. Many wild rabbits are particularly active during low-light periods, including dawn and dusk.
However, seeing a rabbit during daylight is not necessarily unusual or a sign of a problem.
5. Are rabbits considered pests?
Rabbits are part of the natural environment and are not automatically pests. They become a nuisance when their activity causes unacceptable damage to gardens, crops, landscaping, or other property.
The appropriate response depends on the extent of the damage and the available prevention options.
6. Can rabbit repellents protect vegetables?
Some commercial repellents may reduce feeding, but their effectiveness varies. Weather and new plant growth can reduce their impact, and repeat applications may be required.
Always check the product label before applying a repellent to edible plants. Use it only for the crops and situations permitted by the manufacturer.
7. Should I remove a rabbit nest from my garden?
Do not disturb a suspected nest without first assessing the situation. Some rabbit nests are shallow and well concealed, making them easy to overlook during mowing or gardening.
Keep children and pets away, observe from a distance, and contact an appropriate wildlife professional if you are concerned about the animals’ welfare.
8. Can rabbits damage trees?
Yes. Rabbits may chew young bark, stems, and low branches, especially when other food is limited. Serious bark damage can threaten a young tree’s health.
Protect vulnerable trunks with suitable guards or wire-mesh cylinders and inspect them regularly.
9. Do rabbits dig holes under houses?
Some rabbit species dig burrows, but a hole near a house is not necessarily a rabbit burrow. Other wildlife and ordinary ground conditions can create similar openings.
Look for additional signs of activity and seek professional advice if the opening is close to a building or its cause is uncertain.
10. When should I contact a wildlife professional?
Seek advice if the animal’s identity is uncertain, damage continues despite prevention, a suspected nest may be at risk, or capture and relocation are being considered.
A qualified professional can help assess the circumstances and explain suitable next steps.
Conclusion
Rabbits are adaptable mammals that can live in natural habitats as well as residential neighbourhoods. Their presence is not automatically a problem, but repeated feeding can damage vegetable gardens, flowers, shrubs, and young trees.
The most practical approach is to understand what attracts rabbits and protect the areas where their activity causes damage. Secure fencing, individual tree guards, careful garden maintenance, and appropriately labelled repellents can all play a role.
Avoid disturbing suspected nests, handling wild rabbits unnecessarily, or using unsafe control methods. When the source of damage is unclear or wildlife management becomes complicated, seek appropriate professional advice.
By combining early identification with sensible prevention, homeowners can protect their gardens while treating wildlife responsibly.