We're always covered up in wild bunnies this time of year, but this year in addition
to the usual cottontails we have a short-eared, plump white rabbit with gray-brown
splotches and ears nibbling in the backyard. Since we're next door to an elementary school, I suspect someone didn't want to take the class pet home.

While not afraid of me, he hops away if I come very near. As long as a hawk doesn't get him (he's much more visible than the natives) he should fare fine this summer outside, but I'm a bit concerned for this winter. Any suggestions
about how to help him when the weather changes? Or do you think he's joined the wild bunnies in their holes?

I was looking at your avatar thinking that's a funny bunny :blush: :rofl:

Your first line gave me the funniest images of you walking around.. :rofl:

Perhaps you could put a little hutch outside for him and make sure he has water and food as winter comes along unless you notice he's integrated with the wild rabbits.

but first I'd have a sharp word with the teacher and the principal at the school. Terribly irresponsible.

Humane societies and Animal Control usually have humane traps you can borrow or rent. Perhaps you could use one of those to catch him. Once he's back in captivity in a quiet place he's likely to settle back down and become tame again.

Otherwise, rather than trying to get all the way up to him to catch him, you can try sitting quietly outside near where he's grazing. Have good bunny treats with you (lettuce and carrots are usually favorites) and don't stare directly at him (he'll interpret that as a threat). If he does come up to you just give him his treats and resist the temptation to pet him or try to grab him (if you miss, it will only make him more skittish). Instead just try to come out every day he's there and let him get some treats until he trusts you enough (after 3-10 days) for you to catch him. When you do catch him, know that rabbits kick violently if startled and can scratch your arm to ribbons with their nails! If you have to, scruffing him by grabbing a bunch of skin at the back of his neck right behind his ears may not look nice, but it is an accepted humane method of restraint for both bunnies and cats at humane societies. Transfer him from your hand holding the scruff into a box (deep rubbermaid tubs with some bedding at the bottom work well) and give him a while to calm down in a dark, quiet area before trying to transfer him into a cage.

Here's an article on catching a stray bunny: http://www.rabbitcare.org/catch_a_stray.htm

That's a little donkey I met on Santorini about 30 years ago. I posted it to illustrate
a book I sent to one of my Chapters about a little donkey on Santorini. I'll try to get a picture of this bunny to post.

Thanks Ap and Kiri. I'll try feeding him, and keep an eye out in the lost and found
ads as well. Could be an escapee.

See if there is a House Rabbit Society chapter near you, they may love to get involved.
And if you do catch the rabbit - if after you catch it and it kicks, put a hand under its rump/feet and hug it close to your body. Rabbits are not used to feeling nothing under their feet but if they can touch something they may be more relaxed. From my years of keeping rabbits as pet.

There are two! The one I saw this evening is just half-grown, so I guess
in at least one respect, my big white rabbit has been accepted by the natives. :lol: