What type of predator takes fur off a wild rabbit?

[shannon84]

Hello everyone, I woke up this morning and seen rabbit hair all over the backyard, long wide strips of it everywhere. We have a lot of wild rabbits in our yard and I've never had a predator problem with my chickens in the 3 years I've owned them, but I'm kind of concerned after seeing this. Any ideas of what could of done that? Thanks!!!

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

More than likely a fox......
Good luck keeping your flock safe!

 

[NewBoots]

Fighting rabbits will kick a lot of fur off of each other. What time of year do wild rabbits mate?

 

[shannon84]

Fighting rabbits will kick a lot of fur off of each other. What time of year do wild rabbits mate?

I just googled it and it said February, so maybe that was it!!! I had no idea they was like that. Made me feel a lot better thank you!!

 

[shannon84]

More than likely a fox......
Good luck keeping your flock safe!

I just read mating season for wild rabbits has just began, praying that was it, girls will be locked up tight still. Can't take chances on my little ladies thanks @Chick-N-Fun

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

I just read mating season for wild rabbits has just began, praying that was it, girls will be locked up tight still. Can't take chances on my little ladies thanks @Chick-N-Fun

Let’s hope that’s it! In the meantime, do you have a trail cam or other camera that you can set up? Better safe than sorry!

 

[shannon84]

Let’s hope that’s it! In the meantime, do you have a trail cam or other camera that you can set up? Better safe than sorry!

Yes I do, my husband has it in the woods but I think I'll take it in the meantime to see what's going on in the backyard. I'm glad you mentioned that, my mind isn't working. Totally didn't think of that! Thanks!

 

[NewBoots]

I just read mating season for wild rabbits has just began, praying that was it, girls will be locked up tight still. Can't take chances on my little ladies thanks @Chick-N-Fun

Good idea, those bunnies might have had additional help with the fur.

 

[Conan]

A pet cat would be my best guess. I have one that loves skinning rabbits. It's awful and we've had to put more than one out of it's misery.

 

[shannon84]

A pet cat would be my best guess. I have one that loves skinning rabbits. It's awful and we've had to put more than one out of it's misery.

We do have a neighbors cat the lurks around here sometimes. Very well could be....we used to have a cat that would kill rabbits... I had to save some a time or two myself