Devastating: Utah’s Pygmy Rabbits Need Help This Easter

Just in time for Easter, Utah is home to the smallest rabbits in the world.  

As the world’s smallest rabbit, not only is it super cute but can fit in the palm of a hand. 

Though Utah is home to the pygmy rabbit, the creature also lives in sagebrush habitats in Wyoming and Idaho. Utah is one of the places the pygmy rabbit calls home however, due to fires across all three states, their population is declining, Deseret News said.  

The pygmy rabbit has also been impacted by disease and invasive plant species.  

With Easter coming up, thinking of these little guys and how to help them survive is a good way to give back on the holiday.  

In 2023 and 2024, conservation groups have petitioned to have the species added to the endangered species list, however it is still under consideration by the federal and state governments.  

As of 2024, the pygmy rabbit population occupancy in Utah was down to just 7% to 13%.  

Basically, the loss of the pygmy rabbit is mainly due to its loss of habitat, also known as the sagebrush sea. There are several sagebrush seas across the west but because of climate change and fires, they are quickly dwindling.  

More than one million acres of sagebrush is lost year, Deseret News said.  

So, what can Utahns do to help the pygmy rabbits? 

• Petition Legislators 

• Give Donations to Conservation and Wildlife Protection Groups 

• Keep Up to Date on News 

• Be Mindful During Wildfire Season 

• Take Measures to Eliminate Flammable Materials