My gf has a terrible fear of rabbits. I can't seem to convince her that they are herbivores and not interested in attacking humans.
2006-10-22 07:34:32 · 19 answers · asked by dtshaff 3 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Yes, they very well can attack humans. In the wild you will never see a rabbit attack a human, but certain domesticated rabbits will in their cage. Female rabbits sometimes tend to due to their hormonal period when they reach about 4 months old.
2006-10-23 07:20:24 · answer #1 · answered by devilishblueyes 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm sorry but they will attack. I raised Holland Lops for 10 years which are small and very cute. For the most part, most were very friendly. However, I had some that were mean for no reason. I would stick my hand in their cage and they'd hop over really fast and bite me very hard. I've had to have stiches twice. Have you ever really looked at a rabbit's teeth? They are scary looking! However, they rarely do attack. If you are thinking of getting one for a pet, get one from a reputable breeder. Make sure it's parents are friendly and get it young enough so you can bond. The ones that I had that bit I got when they were older and they had little human contact. Females are also more likely to be agressive because of hormones. Male rabbits may look like they are going to attack you but then they end up humping your hand. If your gf 's fear is effecting her day-to-day life like she shakes when it's Easter time, she has a phobia and needs psychological help. Good luck.
2006-10-22 07:41:51 · answer #2 · answered by SHELTIELUVER 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rabbits are prey animals. They don't "attack" humans. Of course they have teeth and they may nip when threatened, but there are ways you can prevent this.
1) Have your bunny spayed/neutered at the appropriate age. This will take the hormones out of the equation and your bunny will be healthier and much more pleasant for it.
2) Don't reach into a bunny's cage without letting it know you're coming. Approach slowly and use a gentle voice. Otherwise you might surprise your bunny and he/she will feel the need to defend himself/herself.
3) Don't rely on a breeder to tell you whether a bunny will grow up to be nice or not. Check out www.petfinder.com and see if there are local rabbits in your area that need homes. These rabbits will already have their temperament examined and the adoption center/humane shelter will be better able to introduce you to loving, gentle rabbit of your choosing.
4) If you want to know HOW to pet a rabbit: Rabbits will usually "present" themselves for grooming. As you lower your hand to your bunny, he/she will most likely put his/her chin down to the floor. Their sweet spot to be petted is on top of their heads, in between their eyes. A rabbit will stay still in this position for a while, if you keep grooming him/her this way.
Hope this helps your gf. :)
2006-10-23 03:25:25 · answer #3 · answered by Colette 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, bunnies are generally docile animals, unfortunately they have been known to attack. I had a rabbit had quite an attitude and would go after guys when they came in the house. That's only because some teased her.
Years ago, when Jimmy Carter was president, a bunny attacked his boat in the water when he was fishing. Perhaps the bunny was protecting something.
I think from personal experience, most bunnies are good. Just watch the back legs when you pick them up.
2006-10-22 07:39:02 · answer #4 · answered by Juanitamarie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We have had several rabbits that have been adopted from, less than nice people, and these rabbits will attack me and my mother whenever we go to feed them, to pet them, or to even groom them. And let me tell you, the larger bunnies have a pretty nasty bite. If you've ever seen one of them yawn you would know what I am talking about. Fortunately, most pet stores sell the little critters as young as 5 weeks old, which is good for you, as you can attempt to train your bunny to do what you want him/her to do. It's in those early months that you can teach potty training, a few tricks, and most importantly, to sit still and allow you to pet and even groom them. I have one right now who will attempt to crawl into my jacket, or anything that is loose enough that he can slip into, he's just a big baby though.
2006-10-24 06:34:03 · answer #5 · answered by santana84_02 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, there aren't any killer rabbits out in the wild - but my buck has gotten mad when I've gone to take him away from a female and kicked at me. I also watched one of the jackrabbits out here jumping at my burro's face when trying to steal hay...it was pretty funny.
Tell your gf a rabbit's first instinct is flight. I have NEVER seen a wild rabbit NOT run from a predator (which is, of course, what we are).
2006-10-22 07:41:20 · answer #6 · answered by Dez 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think the rabbit would attack out of hunger, but I have heard of rabbits biting people, probably b/c of fear.
2006-10-22 07:38:07 · answer #7 · answered by I do what I want.. 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oh yes they do, I heard of a rabbit who had to be neutered because it wouldn't stop biting it's owner, and it wasn't little nips, it was full on attack.
2006-10-22 07:37:20 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A rabbit attacked Jimmy Carter when he was fishing.
http://www.narsil.org/politics/carter/killer_rabbit.html
Rabbits can bite if they are afraid of people. They are seldom, *but occasionally* aggressive.
2006-10-22 07:44:20 · answer #9 · answered by Susan M 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only if they've been suffering from a lot of abuse and are terribly frightened. If you gf gets one, tell her to leave it only until it gets curious and comfortable or you see it stretching or showing other acts of comfort. You can began interacting with it. Talk to it gently and never make sudden movements.
2006-10-22 07:55:33 · answer #10 · answered by sakura741 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋