It is early May, which means spring is peaking here at Linfield. With more sunny days recently than there are rainy ones, students are breaking out their short-sleeves and spending afternoons tanning on the lawn. Much remains the same, yet many have noticed something familiar is missing from campus this season. 

Linfield students, newcomers and returners, have grown to adore and respect the bunnies who live among us. Yik Yak is frequently buzzing with talk about the bunnies, who have become arguably more popular than Mack the Wildcat. For many, the furry friends provide a much-needed boost of happiness.

“Every time I see the bunnies, my day is genuinely made better,” said junior mathematics major and data science and theater arts minor Skylar McLeod. “They’re such a simple joy on campus that don’t seem to be bothering anything or anyone. I truly love seeing them around, I think they take part in what makes our campus special.”

Many question how the bunnies made our campus their home, with rumors that the large population is due to domesticated bunnies in Jane Failing hall being released.

“The bunnies used to be everywhere, you couldn’t go a day without seeing one,” said senior studio art major with a minor in education, Kaitlin Harwood. “They were always running and chasing each other or cuddling underneath the bushes. It brought everybody together because everyone loves bunnies.”

Their disappearance has sparked speculation across campus, with some students believing the population decline may be tied to Linfield’s staff. 

“It seemed like last summer there was a significant drop in how many bunnies were on campus,” said McLeod. “I know there were rumors about facilities having to remove some of them last summer. I don’t know any specific information about that but honestly I’m just confused as to what harm they were causing to justify removing them.”

Comparatively to this dark theory is the more likely possibility that they simply moved themselves elsewhere.

“What I’m hoping happened is they moved to Cozine Creek, which is behind the President’s house, ” said Harwood. “There’s also a foresty spot down by Davis Street that they could have made their way towards also.” 

But in reality, the answer is more intentional and reasonable than many of the rumors suggest.

Erik Stenehjem is the Senior Director of Environmental Health, Safety and Risk Management here at Linfield which, in short, means that he ensures the campus is as safe as possible for all. This job includes a wide variety of daily responsibilities that often overlap with the charismatic creatures on campus. Stenehjem, along with other facilities staff, have helped ensure the safe and humane relocation of the animals through live traps. Although some may see this as unnecessary, the effort is aimed at eliminating challenges the animals create on campus.

While they are beloved, the bunnies have caused issues from burrowing holes in flower beds and athletic fields to creating conditions that could attract predators onto campus, such as coyotes. 

“They were starting to cause damage to the sports fields [baseball and track],” Stenehjem said. While there are currently no confirmed predators on campus, he said, “It’s only a matter of time.”

Breeding for the animals begins in February, with the babies appearing in early spring and reaching maturity within a few months. Due to this, the population can grow rapidly without proper intervention, causing an uprise in environmental and safety risks.

Even with this reasonable explanation, many students may feel upset with Linfield’s decision.

So it is important to note that this breed is not native to our campus, and staff made the responsible decision to ensure safety on campus. 

While we are unable to state where they were rehomed or who specifically did it, we can emphasize the careful consideration that went into this initiative. 

Although this clarification does not fully soften the loss, it should provide peace of mind knowing they are alive and where they belong in nature. After all, the bunnies were never just animals on Linfield’s campus but rather a part of its overall character.