And yesterday farmers were warned it could soon be munch time for their crops.

At least 100 semi-wild rabbits are thought to be scampering about in the Walsingham-Blue Hole area of Hamilton Parish.

The site has been earmarked for a 40-acre national park and nature reserve.

But now the rabbits' number could be up.

For worried Government officers are planning to slash the ever-increasing population.

It is feared the creatures will nibble up crops and vegetables throughout the area -- unless immediate action is taken.

The infestation is believed to have been started by thoughtless people dumping their floppy-eared pets.

And the rabbits certainly lived up to their breeding reputation.

Chief Conservation Officer Mr. David Wingate said it was impossible to estimate their exact number.

"A reasonable guess would be between 100 and 200. The number has already reached serious proportions,'' he said.

The potential pests have burrowed in to a half-mile square area, but are fast expanding their territory.

Mr. Wingate said although feral, the rabbits were of a "domestic strain.'' "The longer they live in the wild, the more difficult they are to control.'' He added: "Farmers should be concerned about them breeding outside the Hamilton Parish area.

"There is a danger of them spreading throughout Bermuda's cropland, and destroying it.

"Rabbits are herbivores and can cause ecological problems. They eat vegetables, particularly succulent crops.

"They might also prove rather troublesome in people's gardens, damaging flowers.'' Mr. Wingate said moves to control the rabbit population were being explored.

They could include laying down traps, or even shooting them.

Mr. John Barnes, director of Agriculture and Parks, admitted rabbits were causing "serious concern''.

It was feared they could chew up rare plants, including ferns, in the planned national park.

Government vet Dr Neil Burnie yesterday urged people against dumping pets in the wild.

People, instead, should contact the SPCA or, if applicable, Government's dog control division.

Mr. Burnie said he had not yet been told about any rabbit eradication programme.

But, regardless, the ravenous rabbits seem to be in for a far from bonny -- or even bunny -- time.

WHAT'S UP DOC! -- One of the wild rabbits at Blue Hole which could pose a threat to farmers. (See story right).