The movement begins: Save Our Bunnies

Bryn was among the folks who greeted visitors to the island with signs to protest the National Park Service's proposal to control the rabbit population. Photos for the San Juan Update by Tabby Talley.

People around the island reacted with interest to the news that the Parks Service has decided to shoot the “non-native” rabbits at American Camp…and some have joined to make a movement to protest (and if possible, stop) the action.

The kids were there, too...

There is a meeting from 1-3pm tomorrow (Tuesday) at the Mullis Center y the National Park Service to receive comment about their proposed action to control the rabbit population.

There was a protest by a couple of dozen islanders near the ferry landing on Friday evening, opposing the proposal. Tabby Talley took pictures, as you can see, and filed this report:

The protest lasted from just before 6 until about 6:50 when the ferry had finished unloading. Everyone had unique signs, with clever sayings from “Now Showing at American Camp: Scenes from Fatal Attraction” to “I’m not native. Are you going to shoot me?” to simple ones like “Killing is mean.” One woman even brought a real rabbit, which was part wild!

Some signs took on a movie theme....

There was a slight traffic jam as cars coming off the ferry were slowing down to read the signs and listen to the protesters. Most of the cars passing by reacted positively, honking their horns and cheering. Some ignored the protest or stared in confusion, but there were only three negative responses. (One guy gave a thumbs down, another pointed his hand in the shape of a gun, and one yelled “Go home!” to which the protesters yelled back, “We ARE home!”)

Petitions were passed out for everyone to help get signatures for the meeting on Tuesday. There were no park rangers present.

Overall, it seemed like the protesters accomplished what they came to do. The community (and tourists!) is now much more aware of what’s happening to the rabbits at American Camp and hopefully those who have opinions on the matter will attend the meeting on Tuesday at 1pm at the Mullis Center.

The NPS proposal is to limit the non-native rabbits....

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