Don’t Worry, Be Hoppy!

Some residents compare living in Palos Verdes to living in paradise. And we aren’t the only ones living in paradise– so are the rabbits. As the region is a peninsula, there is a 270-degree sea breeze buffer which guarantees the best weather in Southern California. Combined with the fact that the peninsula is also a hill, and we have a 360-degree view that is unchallenged anywhere, these traits make our area an idyllic place for anyone. Still, there’s much more to our rich culture, so let me be your guide through this complex rabbit hole.

The rural landscape is home to a plethora of flora and fauna, and amidst fondness for the peafowl and foxes, bunnies are a favorite. I’m not referring to familiar names that we’ve experienced from our past, such as: Ricochet Rabbit, Thumper, Roger Rabbit, Energizer Bunny, Br’er Rabbit, Peter Cottontail, or Velveteen Rabbit. Their thick fur traps excessive heat quickly, so if you are outside during dawn or dusk when they are not seeking refuge from the sun, then greater viewing opportunities will arise.

They are particularly attracted to gardens with their preferred edibles, and not only carrots, by the way. Rest assured– “if you build it, they will come” as they are never too far away, especially on the hill. In fact, according to the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy education director, Connie Smith, the “population is exploding… [last] year’s heavy winter rains produced an abundance of plant life… purple sage, California bush sunflowers, or grasses.”

Besides their usual shtick of radar-like ears and seeming to perpetually sit on a powder puff, this breed of rabbit can only boast a top speed of 19 mph while the human record is 28. Nevertheless, this feat is amazing for a creature less than 1.5 feet long, and they rely more on their tendency to use camouflage to evade predators before attempting to outrun other animals (probably a learned lesson from losing to The Tortoise in that famous race). Their trademark behavior is to flee in a zig-zag pattern, because they insist on eluding with an attitude, as Bugs Bunny would do. There is a threat that they cannot outrun though, because they are currently experiencing their own pandemic, which is only contagious to other members of their native species of desert cottontail. Despite their virus though, having multiple litters of offspring annually, eliminates the threat of extinction, as long as they inevitably maintain their stereotypical drive for proliferation.

“When in Rome, do as the Romans,” so when in PV don’t worry, and jump for joy! We’re only a few months into the new year, so it’s not too late to spot these furry friends.

Ideas are like rabbits. You get a couple and learn how to handle them, and pretty soon you have a dozen.”

–John Steinbeck

Patrick Stednitz is a lifelong Palos Verdes resident, regional philanthropist and international educator. This Veteran is also a multi-media artist, enjoys Chess and swimming in the ocean. Check out his activities on the Peninsula at facebook.com/groups/SOUTHBAY.CA.