IT looks more like Watership Down than Ravenswood.

Tom Potter

IT looks more like Watership Down than Ravenswood.

The roundabout that connects the development with the A14 and Ipswich has been overrun by rabbits.

The bunnies are quite happy to make their home in the middle of the busy road and don't seem perturbed by the sound of traffic whizzing past at any given moment.

Experts suggest the appearance of the fluffy invaders could be our fault.

Rob Bamford, section leader of Animal Studies at Otley College, said: “We've got three theories. It may be that we are encouraged to make towns and cities look pretty with flowers and plants, thus providing food for the rabbits.

“Another theory is that since the introduction of myxomatosis to the country in the fifties, rabbits have become resilient to the disease and their population has increased.

“It may also be down to predator/prey relations. As the population of foxes decreases, the population of rabbits goes up.”

The council is confident the new residents will not cause problems for drivers.

A spokesman from Ipswich Borough Council said: “The council has been aware of the colony of rabbits on the large roundabout near the Thrasher public house for some time.

“Highway Engineers have established that they are not causing any damage to the infrastructure and that their burrows are in the central area and therefore not causing problems to the grounds maintenance team.”

The spokesman added that the council will continue to monitor the rabbit roundabout situation.

- Do you like to see the rabbits on the roundabout? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or email eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk

Urban animals

Urban sprawl may be a prime reason for wild animals moving into the suburbs but we should feel lucky we don't live among more dangerous creatures.

Since 1990, eight US states have passed laws to restrict the hunting or trapping of lynx, bobcats, bears, beavers, foxes, wolves and cougars.

In 1991 a young athlete was killed in Colorado by a mountain lion. The cats can weigh more than 100kg.

Black bears have recently been spotted in the suburbs of Boston for the first time for 200 years and in New Jersey their population has increased 20 times in three decades.

Last month, as Tropical Storm Fay swept over Florida, residents were warned to be aware of alligators, snakes and other wildlife in their flooded streets.