By Cole R. Whitman, Mountain West Civic Report, Dry Creek, Idaho

DRY CREEK, Idaho — Authorities in this rural town of about 4,200 residents are investigating how dozens of hairless rabbits imported from Egypt were illegally brought into the country and bred locally, after several animals escaped and began reproducing in nearby neighborhoods.

The rabbits, known as Egyptian Hairless rabbits, were first reported earlier this spring when residents noticed unfamiliar, animals darting through yards, irrigation ditches, and vacant lots. Wildlife officials later confirmed the species is not permitted for private breeding or sale in the United States without federal approval.

“It’s not something you expect to see hopping across your lawn,” said Linda Marrow, who lives three blocks from where the rabbits were first spotted. “They’re not cute. They look… sick. I thought it had something to do with radiation. I was scared to death. And now they’re everywhere.”

State and federal authorities say the animals were bred by Evan Kline, 38, who operates a small, unlicensed breeding operation on his property on the edge of town. Investigators say Kline imported the rabbits through unofficial channels and began breeding them for niche pet markets online.

According to the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, at least a dozen rabbits escaped after a fence gate was left unsecured earlier this year. Officials believe the animals have since established multiple small breeding groups.

“These large rabbits reproduce quickly and don’t have natural predators here,” said wildlife biologist Mark Jensen. “That creates a real risk of population growth before containment can occur.”

Residents say the situation has added frustration to an already tense housing market. Idaho has seen declining home values in several rural areas over the past year, and some homeowners worry the unusual animals could further hurt property prices.

“We’re already dealing with a soft market,” said real estate agent Carla Dominguez. “Now buyers are asking if the neighborhood has a rabbit problem. That’s not something you want attached to a listing.”

Several residents said they were particularly upset that Kline has shown little remorse.

“He hasn’t apologized once,” said neighbor Thomas Reed. “He just shrugs and says it’s his livelihood and he should be allowed to make a living.”

Kline also defended his actions in an interview, saying he believes he has the right to breed animals for income.

“I’m not doing anything different than someone raising chickens or goats,” he said. “People don’t like how the rabbits look, and suddenly it’s a crisis. I mean, have you seen how gross goats look? My bunnies are cuter than that, for sure.”

Kline acknowledged that some rabbits escaped but said the situation has been exaggerated.

“They’re usually not aggressive unless they’re hungry. They’re not dangerous,” he said. “They’re just rabbits.”

Authorities disagree. The U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed it is assisting with the investigation and evaluating whether the animals pose a risk to local ecosystems or agriculture. Potential violations include illegal importation, unlicensed breeding, and failure to contain non-native species.

Officials said no charges have been filed yet, but penalties could include fines and an order to surrender the animals.

In the meantime, wildlife officers are working with residents to trap escaped rabbits. The animals are being humanely relocated to a secure facility while officials determine next steps.

Mayor Susan Caldwell said the town is caught between enforcement and community concern.

“This is not something our ordinances were written to handle,” she said. “But we’re taking it seriously because it affects people’s homes and sense of stability.”

For some residents, the damage already feels done.

“I worked my whole life for this house,” Marrow said. “I didn’t think hairless rabbits would be the thing that made it harder for me to retire and sell.”

Officials urged residents not to attempt to capture the animals themselves and to report sightings to local authorities as the investigation continues.