Bullwinkle used to do that “Hey Rocky, watch me pull a rabbit out of this hat” routine.  Sparky does that with baby rabbits.  He seems to have them stashed all over the place.

It’s startling when Sparky is doing his sniffing and foraging routine, then comes out of the bush looking like John Belushi in Animal House.

The expression on Sparky’s face was just like this.  I wouldn’t take a picture because I am usually concerned for the prey and the image might make you think less of my little buddy.  To his credit, Sparky does drop his prize with some coaxing, but it won’t be going home.

To be fair, WTF momma rabbits?  Childbirth is harrowing, but the best you can do is have babies behind a woodpile or under a bush?  Sparky can only get about 10 feet into the woods and there are rabbit holes all over the place.  Sparky has free rein over about a half-acre. 

After Sparky imposed order on the chaotic rabbits, they’ve been scarce on that half-acre.  They go on the other side of the highway fence or deeper into the brush.  Have babies there.  Or, cross the creek to the two acres where Sparky doesn’t roam free.

I don’t chastise Sparky for being true to himself.  The first time, he pulled three little bunnies out from behind a woodpile before I caught on.  We got a rotisserie chicken after that to make up for his lost bounty.  Yesterday, I brought him in and gave him a meaty treat, and keep him away from that spot.