A free-roaming rabbit is any rabbit living outdoors without relying on people for food, care, or shelter. Most free-roaming rabbits are fearful of humans, poorly socialized, and nearly all are feral, making them unsuitable for adoption as companion animals.

Many free-roaming rabbits may resemble domestic pet rabbits, but appearance alone can be misleading. Most of these rabbits are feral and have spent their entire lives living outdoors without human care or socialization. They should be treated as wildlife, similar to turkeys, squirrels, ducks, and geese, as they are typically fearful of people and are not well-suited for life in a home.

Observe the rabbit from a safe distance to determine whether it appears healthy. If the rabbit is not sick, injured, or in immediate danger, it is best to leave it where it is, as most free-roaming rabbits are feral and adapted to living outdoors. If the rabbit appears injured and you are safely able to trap it, you may contact Ada County Animal Care & Control for assistance.

Wild rabbits often leave their young alone for long stretches of time, only returning to feed them at dusk and dawn. Do not assume that the nest has been abandoned. Leaving the nest undisturbed and allowing the mother to continue caring for her young provides them with their best chance of survival.

Free-roaming rabbit populations have now become established throughout the Treasure Valley. In 2025, nearly 700 rabbits entered our facility, and we are on track to exceed 1,100 in 2026, despite implementing measures to slow intake. At the beginning of 2026, we limited intake to a maximum of three rabbits per person, per week, and then reduced it to just one. Even so, the number of incoming rabbits has continued to increase exponentially.

We are one of many communities throughout the U.S. and Canada in which formerly domestic pet rabbits have become naturalized into urban and suburban environments. Like those communities, the free-roaming rabbits in the Treasure Valley have been around for decades, but it has only been over the last few years that we have seen a rapid increase in their numbers.

While we have done our best to address this challenge, it is no longer sustainable for us to continue providing intake services for free-roaming rabbits.

We encourage community members to coexist with these rabbits as part of the local ecosystem and to use fencing or other barriers to help keep rabbits out of gardens and other unwanted areas.

While free-roaming rabbits are generally harmless, we understand they may become a nuisance when they take up residence on your property. Fortunately, there are several humane and effective ways to discourage rabbits from settling in your yard or garden.

• Remove food and water sources: Keep lawns mowed and maintained to reduce access to plants rabbits are attracted to, such as clover and dandelions. Repair leaky faucets and eliminate standing water whenever possible.
• Reduce shelter opportunities: Rabbits are drawn to areas that provide cover and protection. Trim overgrown vegetation, clear brush piles, and remove dense ground cover where rabbits may hide or nest.
• Use rabbit-resistant plants: Some plants with strong scents may help discourage rabbits from entering landscaped areas. Consider planting lavender, rosemary, oregano, garlic, or marigolds around gardens and flowerbeds.
• Apply safe repellents: Homemade deterrents, such as a mixture of garlic, cayenne pepper, and water, can be sprayed around vulnerable plants. Commercial non-lethal rabbit repellents are also available at most garden and hardware stores. Always follow product instructions carefully.
• Install scare devices: Motion-activated sprinklers, pinwheels, or other visual and sound deterrents may help startle rabbits and encourage them to avoid the area.
• Use physical barriers: Fencing is often the most effective long-term solution. Install mesh or chicken wire fencing at least 2–3 feet high and bury the bottom portion several inches underground to prevent digging. Tree guards can also help protect the base of trees and shrubs from rabbit damage, especially during winter.

Never use poisons on any Free-roaming rabbit.

Poison is indiscriminate. The use of poison to address rabbits (or any animal) on or around your property brings with it the very real likelihood that it will harm or kill other wildlife, pets, or even children.

Personally owned, friendly, adoptable rabbits may be surrendered to the Idaho Humane Society through our managed intake pet rehoming program. Please visit our rehoming page for more information.

Please note:

• This program is available to Ada County residents only.
• An appointment is required before surrendering a pet.
• A surrender fee will apply when your pet enters the program.

These requirements help support the cost of medical care and allow us to schedule incoming animals appropriately, ensuring we can provide the best possible care without becoming overcrowded.