Rabbit Warren Definition, Diagram, and Destruction

Rabbits are social animals who live in groups, often referred to as colonies. Also, they are hierarchical with dominant ones have more privileges in their colonies. Females often outnumber males in most colonies [1]. 

Whereas those domesticated live in sheds, cages or hutches those in the wild ones live in warrens. However, there are some areas where domestic bunnies are bred and reared in artificial warrens.

Rabbit Warren definition and facts

Warrens are complex underground networks of highly engineered and interconnected burrows with a zigzag formation to help confuse instead of outrunning their predators. These burrows form a living place for wild rabbits, specifically the Oryctolagus cuniculus.

However, jackrabbits do not live in burrows and cottontails “use natural cavities or burrows excavated by woodchucks or other animals.” [2]

However, when about to kindle, female bunnies, do not nest in these interconnected burrows. Instead, they dig burrows nearby and create a kindling nest and keep a close watch on the burrow to ensure predators do not attack or eat their litters.

Rabbit warren diagrams and pictures

If you have never seen them before or you are wondering what a rabbit warren looks like, we have included a few diagrams and pictures to help you visualize how they look like. You will also get a chance to see how inside of a wild rabbit warren looks like in this diagrams and pictures

Dealing with rabbit warren in gardens, yard or farm

If wild bunnies are causing a lot of damage to your landscape, yard, garden or lawn, there are various ways to keep them off these areas. Some of the common ways include

• Rabbit warren destruction – Ripping off these burrows will make these animals go away. However, there may be some instances of recolonization especially for larger ones in areas with good quality habitat and other warrens nearby. [3]
• Fumigation – This is often to help reduce wild bunny population especially in areas where they cause serious damage to agricultural production.
• Blocking them. This will ensure they cannot get out or access these burrows. 
• Shooting - We do not advocate this method. However, some people might find it useful. 
• Biological control such as the use of rabbit hemorrhagic disease and myxomatosis to wipe out a larger population of these animals. 
• Trapping - There are a number of ways you can trap these animals. 
• Exclusion fencing – Use a mesh. The mesh should be at least a meter high and buried at least 15 centimeters below ground level with the mesh used to be less than 3.5cm in size.
• Habitat modification - Besides the above means, you can also consider habitat modification i.e., make their habitat less favorable forcing them to go away. 

Conclusion 

Unless they are in your farms, always seek relevant authorities if you intend to deal rip their burrows if they are conserved areas including forests.