Black rabbits in the wild: Country diary 4 July 1919

4 July 1919 These dark-coloured animals are not the descendants of domesticated stock, but are a distinct phase of wild rabbit

Very determined efforts were made last year to reduce the over-abundant rabbits, but, as far as one can see, without marked success. At the present time the corpses of infantile bunnies which have blundered through inexperience are very common in the woods. These youngsters will come out in the daytime and often get into stoat traps, spending many painful hours until mercifully destroyed by the keeper on his rounds. I may be too tender-hearted, but I confess that it spoils the enjoyment of a walk when I find it necessary to shorten the life of one of these beautiful little innocents.

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