Too many bunnies are hopping into Waitaki Valley towns and, once they start breeding this year, could cause a major problem by Christmas.
Environment Canterbury (ECan) is recommending the Waitaki District Council carry out rabbit control in the towns, particularly Otematata and Omarama where the numbers are a problem.
Otematata residents and the Ahuriri Community Board have already complained about rabbit nuisance, prompting an inspection by ECan's Timaru-based biosecurity team leader Brent Glentworth.
He said rabbit levels were "just compliant" - below the trigger level at which control measures become compulsory - although causing a nuisance in green and public areas.
"These levels will quickly increase over the current breeding season, causing a serious issue by Christmas."
The problem required urgent attention, he said.
He suggested the council use a pest-control contractor to carry out spotlight shooting at night.
That would required extensive community notification of dates and times.
"Extreme care is, of course, required when discharging a firearm in this situation, but the method is potentially less controversial than using poison bait," he said.
