The Big Story The simple question about rabbits that nearly drove a Toronto journalist mad
Jul 9, 2025
Nicholas Hune-Brown, executive editor at The Local, dives into his quirky obsession with Toronto's rising rabbit population. He candidly shares how a simple question about bunny numbers spiraled into a deep investigation. The conversation highlights the surprising adaptability of rabbits in urban environments and the challenges of tracking their population. Hune-Brown also touches on the tension between urban wildlife charm and their potential as garden nuisances, making for a light-hearted yet insightful exploration of city life and nature.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Rabbit Sighting Sparks Curiosity
- Nicholas Hune-Brown noticed a rabbit in his Midtown Toronto backyard, sparking his curiosity about urban rabbits.
- He then observed many others seeing rabbits where they hadn't in decades, prompting a deeper investigation.
Lack of Rabbit Population Data
- Despite rabbit sightings, no official tracking or data collection on rabbit populations exists in Toronto.
- Wildlife organizations don't consider rabbits significant enough to monitor consistently, which frustrated Nicholas.
Rabbit History and Urban Adaptation
- Eastern cottontail rabbits were introduced by humans in late 19th century and thrive in mixed natural and domesticated environments.
- They adapted to urban edges like hedgerows and farms, following human expansion.