The Pennsylvania Game Commission is calling on the public to help with a study of rabbits and snowshoe hares in three wildlife management units, including 3D in our readership area. Several counties along the Delaware River corridor that are outside of 3D are also asking for help with the study. 

Rabbit and hare populations can fall victim to Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus 2 (RHDV2). Unlike the previous versions of the virus (RHDV and RHDV1) which only affected adult rabbits and hares, this new strain kills the young as well. It can be fatal to 75 – 100 percent of a local group of rabbits and hares.

RHDV2 was first detected in France in 2010 and spread rapidly throughout Europe. It was first found in North America in 2016 in Quebec and is believed to have been spread from domestic rabbits to feral rabbits to our wild populations. It was first detected in wild rabbits in the United States in March of 2020 in the Southwest.

 It was first found in Pennsylvania in domestic rabbits in 2022. It was found in New York in domestic rabbits the same year.

Wildlife biologists cannot study and help control these deadly outbreaks on their own. They need the public’s help – especially hunters. If you see two or more dead rabbits or hares in an area without any likely signs of their cause of death, please report them immediately. 1-833-PGC-WILD for those found in PA and (518) 478-2203 for those found in NY.

I’m happy to report that there are no uncontained outbreaks of RHDV2 in Pennsylvania or New York as of the time that I pen this column. We need to be vigilant and keep it that way. Early detection is the key to containment. If RHDV2 gets out of control it could decimate our populations of wild hares and rabbits.

RHDV2 poses no health risk to humans, but care should be taken if rabbits are encountered or harvested so that the disease isn’t spread to other rabbits. A 10 percent bleach solution should be used to clean up and kill the virus on any areas of contact. Please take precautions in disposal of carcasses as well.

The PA Game Commission is also asking the public and hunters to help with a study of snowshoe hare coloration. Pennsylvania is the only state on record with snowshoe hares that exhibit mixed (piebald) white and brown colors. Some have distinct patterns of color such as brown ears and eye rings with the rest white. 

PA is also one of only a few states where pure brown hares are seen in winter. Hunters that want to help with the study are encouraged to join the Game Commission’s Snowshoe Hare Cooperator Program by sending their name, address and phone number or their CID number via email to hares@pa.gov.

Please help out with the rabbit study if you can, and enjoy the outdoors!