The U.S. National Park Service plans to eradicate a population of introduced European rabbits from American Camp on San Juan Island in Washington State. More than 470 rabbits inhabit around 150 acres on park grounds and are having a significant impact on the islands unique prairie landscape and vegetation.  They are also damaging important historical sites in the park. Unfortunately, the NPS is apparently not planning to eradicate or control red fox populations that were introduced to control the introduced rabbits (when will we learn?).  This is yet another example of the need to remove exotic animals from sensitive areas where they do not belong.

Michael Hutchins National Parks, Wildlife management, invasive species