Nuisance Animals

For the past three summers I have tried everything to "encourage" the rabbits to leave my yard. This spring I counted six of them--the most I've ever had. I've tossed moth balls under bushes--all that did was make the neighbors curl their noses when they strolled past the house. I've put up fences around my tulips--the rabbits jump right over to eat the plant leaves. I purchased a "rabbit spray" from the local nursery and that worked for a few weeks, then the critters ignored the smell. I've sprinkled blood meal on the ground around my plants but then the dogs roll in it and stink to high heaven. Speaking of the dogs--they chase the rabbits out of the yard, but as soon as I bring the dogs inside the house, the rabbits return.

Just once I'd like to plant flowers in the ground and not have to put them in pots and hang them from tree branches. I've also had to resort to using my birdbaths as planters and although they look cute filled with flowers, I'm sure the birds would rather have water.

If anyone has checked out my website this month, then they know I've declared an all-out war against the rabbits in my yard. This spring I obtained a permit to catch a "nuisance animal" and bought a live trap. Check out www.marinthomas.com for information on my Elmer Fudd Wabbit Contest. I've bated the trap with fresh carrots and leafy vegetables and have witnessed two of the rabbits sniff the trap, eat the grass around the trap--but the darn critters won't go in.

Has anyone ever dealt with a nuisance animal in their yard and if so, did you have any success getting it to leave?

Marin

A Coal Miner's Wife *Hearts of Appalachia* Aug 08
www.marinthomas.com