Meet "Clover", our "pet", wild rabbit. Have you ever seen a wild rabbit act like a dog?? Below, "Clover", is pictured on our front lawn, rolling around in the grass and dirt like the mutts do after a bath. The really funny thing is after she's finished eating. She sits back on her hind legs, in a kind of lounge position, and cleans her front paws. It is hilarious! For the last two years, in the spring and summer months, this odd little bunny has graced us with her prescence. She arrives just before dusk, and sometimes in the early morning to nibble the clover (this is where she gets the name), that grows near the front walk. She doesn't seem to mind the dogs, even though Sadie's deep tongue can be heard for miles if the scent reaches her powerful nose.
Last summer I was trimming the grass along the edge of the house in the side yard, as I approached the A/C unit, I saw the grass move. I reached down and moved the grass to the side and found Clover's nest of three baby bunnies, pictured below. It's hard to see the third, as he is nestled below his larger siblings. After finding the nest, I tried to make sure not to disturb them or Clover, however I did check on them from time to time to make sure the neighbor's cat didn't make them an afternoon snack. Well, the last time I checked on them, the largest one made a "scream" that made the hare, pun intended, stand up on the back of my neck. I quickly replaced the bundle of grass that was covering them and turned around just in time to see Clover bolt from the woods and stop about ten yards from where I stood. Have you ever seen a pissed off rabbit??? I honestly think she was growling at me!!! I gave her a wide birth as I walked back to the front of the house. That was the last time I saw Clover, or her babies for several weeks. She must have moved the nest into the woods, because the next time I saw her, she was coming through the back yard toward the front. Not a good idea!! Sadie has caught 3 rabbits, YES; she caught them, since we've lived here. Lucky for Clover, Sadie has gained a little weight since then. I don't think she'll make that mistake again though!
We haven't seen Clover for most of the winter, although Sadie has "struck a line" off and on lately, which usually indicates the scent of rabbit in the air! Hopefully Clover will visit again soon and there will be more funny stories and pictures to share.
Last summer I was trimming the grass along the edge of the house in the side yard, as I approached the A/C unit, I saw the grass move. I reached down and moved the grass to the side and found Clover's nest of three baby bunnies, pictured below. It's hard to see the third, as he is nestled below his larger siblings. After finding the nest, I tried to make sure not to disturb them or Clover, however I did check on them from time to time to make sure the neighbor's cat didn't make them an afternoon snack. Well, the last time I checked on them, the largest one made a "scream" that made the hare, pun intended, stand up on the back of my neck. I quickly replaced the bundle of grass that was covering them and turned around just in time to see Clover bolt from the woods and stop about ten yards from where I stood. Have you ever seen a pissed off rabbit??? I honestly think she was growling at me!!! I gave her a wide birth as I walked back to the front of the house. That was the last time I saw Clover, or her babies for several weeks. She must have moved the nest into the woods, because the next time I saw her, she was coming through the back yard toward the front. Not a good idea!! Sadie has caught 3 rabbits, YES; she caught them, since we've lived here. Lucky for Clover, Sadie has gained a little weight since then. I don't think she'll make that mistake again though!
We haven't seen Clover for most of the winter, although Sadie has "struck a line" off and on lately, which usually indicates the scent of rabbit in the air! Hopefully Clover will visit again soon and there will be more funny stories and pictures to share.
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