Rabbits

Besides Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny is perhaps the most famous of fictional holiday characters. Many of us believed in him until we reached kindergarten . . . some of us a few years longer (sure, I'll own up to it!). But besides being the bearer of Easter treats, what do you really know about this rascally rodent? We've rounded up some fun facts about Easter's cutest representative and some adorable photos that will make you want to believe all over again!

Source: Flickr User somewhereintheworldtoday

Those wascally wabbits! Elmer Fudd would have had a field day on Saturday when Harrogate, England, played host to the 2012 Burgess Premier Small Animal Show and the Rabbit Grand National, a show jumping competition for Lop ears, Angoras, Sables, and more. Fortunately, these bun buns were under the watchful eye of rabbit-loving observers — more than 10,000 of them — as they leaped with effortless grace over jumps and obstacles. Check out all the long-eared, cottontailed action in our slideshow!

Despite where your mind may have just gone, this is not a competition to find the next Easter bunny. The Annual Rommerz Rabbit Hopping Competition takes place in Rommerz, Germany. Eighty rabbits competed in three different categories at the tournament. Rabbit hopping is a growing trend among pet rabbit owners in Central Europe. (I wonder if this one will make its way to the USA anytime soon.) These talented rabbits have got some serious skills. Check these pictures of the fierce hoppity competition. Prepare to be impressed with their high jumps and cute faces!

Happy Easter! What better way to celebrate this bunny-centric holiday than with this ball of cuteness? This little gal is a dwarf breed of rabbit known as "teddywzerg" in German, according to her owner, but she's very similar to a dwarf lionhead bunny. Lionhead rabbits are such a new breed, they're not even recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders' Association. But something tells me this might be their year! Keep clicking for more furry cuteness.

Source: Flickr user negotiable_me

Is your home anticipating a visit from the Easter bunny this Sunday? Why not make him a more permanent guest? Try one of these easy DIY projects to add some bunny love to your casa.

With Easter approaching, I have my mind on hip holiday decorating ideas. My memories of the Spring holiday are rampant with floral Laura Ashley dresses and plenty of pastels, but I'm hoping to have a more contemporary Easter this year. Rabbits and dyed eggs should be present at every Easter fete, but there's no reason they need to be trad. Instead, outfit your interiors with these rad modern rabbits!

It's Petfinder's Adopt the Internet Day, and if you're not looking for dog or cat, why not adopt one of these other fun animals? From bunnies to birdies to horses, I've got all the stats on the less-than-typical pets up for adoption. Check 'em out! And be sure to see all the pets here, there's sure to be one with your name on it!

Yes, all baby bunnies are small, but this species tops out at less than a pound . . . fully grown. The Columbia Basin Pygmy Rabbits are native to the Pacific Northwest and face an uphill battle since being declared extinct in the 1990s. They are just one type of threatened hopper BBC recently wrote about as we enter the Year of the Rabbit. Learn all about these animals — and see more pics — when you start the slideshow.