In the mid-2000s, city rabbits in Helsinki became a familiar sight, overwhelming parks and gardens, and drawing various media attention. By 2009, nearly 2,000 rabbits were trapped using a variety of methods including nets, bows, firearms, and even the assistance of domesticated ferrets. The city's intense hunting efforts lasted for years, resulting in the rabbits being used in research, and even provided as food for zoo animals, while celebrity chefs shared recipes for cooking them in the media.

Despite the extensive culling, wild rabbits eventually fell victim to diseases, leading to fluctuating population numbers until by 2017, reports indicated only a few dozen were left. Consequently, city rabbits disappeared from public discourse altogether, signaling a significant decline in their population. This drop was attributed partly to the concerted city efforts to eradicate them, but it also highlights the devastating impact of invasive species on local ecology.

As the city rabbits fell silent, evidence of their sporadic resurgence has been noted with sightings in neighboring municipalities. Experts like Petri Nummi from the University of Helsinki, who studied the rabbits during their peak years, reflect on their past presence and environmental impact, which included damage to trees and vehicles. The phenomenon of city rabbits raises important questions about wildlife management and the balance between invasive species and local ecosystems.