Through the Rabbit Hole

Yesterday, I happened to look out a back window and see a rabbit nibbling its way along our top terrace, headed towards my little garden. Now this may sound ordinary to you, but deep in the city of Portland, 39 blocks from its center, you may see raccoons, but you don't see wabbits!

Top terrace (re-enactment)
As I walked to another window for a better view, I could see that Pouncer (mighty huntress) had noticed him too, and was starting to stalk... so we hurried outside to break up the party. The rabbit bounded back to the rear fence and disappeared through a hole, and Pouncer ran off.

Pouncer on the top terrace (re-enactment)
When we were sure the coast was clear, we sent Charlie to investigate. He jumped the terraces and ran to the back corner of the yard, where he stood sniffing and snorting and scrabbling at the hole in the fence.

Charlie at the rabbit hole (re-enactment)
We called him in (Charlie will do almost anything for a treat), and I went to check it out myself. There, on the other side of fence, sat a big sleek bunny - - an obviously domesticated wanderer!

Bugs, through the rabbit hole
By the time I could check the newspaper lost-and-found and return with a carrot, the escape had apparently been noticed by his family and recapture was in progress.

As cute as he was, I hope he doesn't get out again and come back. Between Pouncer and Charlie, all their feline and canine visitors, and my garden-protectiveness, this is not a safe place for a bunny - - even a big one! And, while I could plug the hole, it would seriously degrade Pouncer's ability to cat around off-street. At least now we know where Bugs lives, so we can get him home if he does return... and if we can catch him...