Feds won't protect tiny rabbit

Federal officials have determined the smallest rabbit in North America does not warrant protection under the Endangered Species Act. U.S. Fish and Wildlife spokesman Bob Williams said Wednesday the agency will announce today that the pygmy rabbit will not be listed under the terms of the ESA following a 12-month status review. Federal protection for the rabbit species could have led to restrictions on livestock grazing and energy development in the animal's habitat, which includes much of southwest Wyoming. The rabbit -- small enough to fit in a cereal bowl -- is found in sagebrush basins in Wyoming, California, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Washington and Utah. It is one of only two rabbit species that digs its own burrows. During the winter, 99 percent of its diet is sagebrush. Petitioners seeking a listing cited the loss of sagebrush habitat in the seven states as one reason the species should be protected...more