"Feral rabbit" in Grande Prairie. Photo courtesy Erika Rolling.

By Tanner Smith

City Hall

Another delegation on Swanavon wild rabbits visits City Council

Jul 4, 2025 | 7:00 AM

City Council once again found themselves at the centre of the ongoing Swanavon “feral rabbits” situation.

During their regular meeting on Monday, June 30, Council heard from a delegation Brooks Hoffos, representing some 300 residents supporting the wild rabbits.

Hoffos said lots of people enjoy the rabbits and have even been sharing ideas for garden and lawn deterrents.

Hoffos told Council he is not an expert on wildlife, but has found no evidence of rabbit burrows disrupting home and shed foundations.

He added that in years past, rabbit populations have been higher, so it seems strange concerns around disease and environmental impacts are now coming in front of Council.

Council reiterated that residents should not feed the wild animals, and will continue to monitor the situation in case a time arises where they need to intervene.

The petition received a Declaration of Insufficiency of Petition during their meeting, due to a lack of signatures, as it was not signed by ten per cent of the population, which is required by the Municipal Government Act; Council is investigating this matter for a better alternative to these smaller, more specific issues.

Moving forward, a public education campaign surrounding the wild rabbits is being put on by the City, and they continue to ask residents not to feed the wild animals.