Rampant Rabbits

When previously undeveloped areas undergo development, predators (wolves, coyotes) are often pushed out. But what happens when you chase the wolves out of town? You end up with rabbits. Lots and lots of rabbits.

With decreasing numbers of predators to thin their ranks, carefree bunnies have had the run of South OC community Casta del Sol. But no more--the Mission Viejo City Council has granted residents permission to shoot the bunnies with pellet guns, reports the LA Times.

Residents are fed up with the large community of rabbits doing damage to lawns and shrubbery with all their adorable munching. The bunny hunting ordinance is considered a victory for the homeowners--the result of years of lobbying City Hall, the state legislature, the state attorney general, and the Department of Fish and Game. Animal rights advoates complain that residents should be able to manage the rabbit problem without firearms.

LAist recommends they bring back the wolves. Wolves don't munch shurbs, they munch bunnies.

"In other news," the LA Times notes wryly, "Mission Viejo on Saturday celebrates its annual family festival Bunny Days."