麻豆视频

SASKATOON — The coyotes in Saskatoon aren't the city wildlife being discussed with local councillors.

麻豆视频 spoke to Saskatoon’s Ward 5 councillor Randy Donauer, about the high number of rabbits that are inhabiting city neighbourhoods.

“I've been receiving complaints about the number of rabbits in the city for several years. Residents could see the rabbit population growing for several years and were concerned that, if we didn't deal with it, predators would follow.  That is exactly what has happened.  The city has a policy of co-existence with wildlife, so I was unable to get City Hall to act on the rabbits,” acknowledges Donauer.

While some residents enjoy watching the four-legged creatures hop about or use their changing fur coats to help predict the onset of winter or summer, not everyone in Saskatoon is happy about the high number of rabbits in their neighbourhoods.

It is believed that rabbit populations will control themselves, usually with disease when the population blooms.  It is also believed, through assessment, that these things run at about a seven-year cycle, where the population grows, and then disease reduces the population naturally.  Residents are hoping the city is coming to the end of that cycle, or the coyotes will take care of this, although this leads to a whole other concern.

“I believe it is difficult to deal with the coyotes when there is such an abundant supply of rabbits in our parks,” adds Donauer.

The Ward 5 councillor says he hasn’t had reports of property damage other than maybe a few garden issues, the bigger concerns lie with the rabbits attracting predators.

While Donauer says he has been asked for the rabbit population to be controlled over the years, he also says others are adamantly opposed to taking any action with the rabbit population, or any other wildlife.

“I don't know if there is a clear benefit for pests or weeds, but many young kids like to see them around.  The problem is they attract predators.”

Donauer confirms that the city’s Parks Department deals with wildlife issues. Complaints go to the city’s customer service line, which would then liaise with parks.