In Hérault, the town of Billargues took a radical decision. To combat the proliferation of rabbits, which causes significant damage, the mayor decided to display the stew recipe on sixty billboards. The idea: to encourage its citizens to hunt and eat rabbit but also and above all to alert people to this phenomenon. These rodents, which are too numerous in this region, destroy crops and dig galleries which damage gardens and golf courses, but also the railway line.
In February, the prefect of Hérault had already asked 12 mayors to act against rabbits, in particular by raising awareness among residents who do not maintain their land, creating “shelters” for these animals.
These rodents attack crops, vineyards, vegetable gardens, orchards, etc.
In March 2023, the prefect, who estimated that “the damage caused by the wild rabbit (had) reached an exceptional level”, had classified the animal as a “nuisance species”.