I just realized I've neglected sharing one of the challenges faced here in southern Finland, as I read a news article today. Rabbits are taking over - I see rabbits every other day or so as I look out the window or walk through town.
They are causing extreme damage to the foliage all over the area, and city gardeners have put screening around the bushes and greenspaces just outside our apartment. As you can imagine, the animal control officers have to manage this with a lot of sensitivity - as a threat of rabbits is - well - maybe not our typical view of them. Here's a news excerpt:
Contrary to what some might think, Antti J. Rautiainen is no shotgun-toting Elmer Fudd stereotype lurking obsessively in the bushes of Helsinki yearning for the chance to blast a bunny on sight. Although he has been working full time since November as the head of the city’s rabbit control project, he insists that there is no personal wrath involved. "I try to keep a low profile, as rabbits raise quite a bit of emotion among residents.”...Shotguns, bows and arrows, traps, and ferrets have been used in the effort. A few dozen have been caught by ferrets.
I remember Gerald calling to tell me he'd never seen such big rabbits on his very first visit to interview for his job nearly two years ago and it certainly sounded odd - I think he said they looked like dogs. They are actually offspring of released pets and have thrived in the relatively mild winters lately, and without many natural predators. They say a few very cold winters would naturally cull the population. I have to admit I hope that can wait a few years as this winter feels rather cold enough.
