Night of the Lepus

The film opens with a news report discussing the growing problem of overpopulation among both humans and animals. It specifically highlights the rabbit outbreak that occurred in Australia during the 1950s, drawing attention to a similar crisis developing in the American Southwest, particularly in Arizona.

In Arizona, we meet Cole Hillman who is out riding his horse when the animal unexpectedly steps into a rabbit hole. This accident tragically injures the horse, leading Cole to make the heart-wrenching decision to shoot it and begin the long trek home on foot.

Determined to tackle the rabbit infestation, Cole reaches out to a local university in Ajo for assistance. There, he meets Dr. Elgin Clark, who initially suggests bringing in an expert who previously dealt with coyote issues, though this idea leaves Cole apprehensive.

Dr. Clark proposes that Cole consult with the Bennett family, who are researchers focused on eco-friendly methods for wildlife control. The Bennetts include Roy, Gerry, and their daughter Amanda, who are currently engaged in experiments with bats to combat mosquito populations without resorting to harmful pesticides.

As Cole and the Bennetts travel to his ranch, they observe desperate ranchers shooting at rabbits, illustrating the dire consequences of the infestation. Cole expresses concern about potential poisoning of his land if he resorts to using chemicals, emphasizing the critical nature of the situation.

Despite his initial reluctance, Cole considers Roy's ideas about disrupting the rabbits' reproductive systems or introducing a disease that specifically targets them. Meanwhile, Amanda develops a budding friendship with Cole's son, Jackie, adding a personal touch to the unfolding crisis.

Progress at the university is minimal as their experiments on the rabbits show little promise. Cole's ranch remains in jeopardy, pushing him into a more desperate state as he contemplates extreme measures to protect his livelihood.

In a moment of desperation, Cole attempts an injection on an untested rabbit, leading to a moral conflict with Amanda, who has become attached to a different rabbit. To protect her pet, she swaps it with one from the control group, believing she is saving it from harm.

Tension escalates when Jackie unintentionally lets Amanda's rabbit loose. As the university's tests progress with limited success, panic ensues when the rabbits start behaving abnormally large yet unaffected, raising alarm bells for everyone involved.

Facing the rabbit crisis head-on, Cole makes the risky decision to burn a section of his land to create a food-less environment for the rabbits. This strategy provides temporary relief, but the situation remains volatile and unpredictable.

The plot thickens as unnatural animal tracks lead Cole and the Bennetts to an abandoned mine, where they confront massive rabbits. This encounter escalates the already critical situation into a terrifying fight for survival as the group realizes the true extent of the problem.

As they attempt to manage the massive rabbit population, a truck driver falls victim to a rabbit attack, highlighting the urgent danger posed by these creatures. The chaos continues to escalate when an explosion meant to contain the rabbits only increases the pandemonium.

In a climactic moment, the group decides to use a railroad track to electrocute the advancing rabbit swarm as they pass. As reinforcements arrive and chaos ensues, everyone must confront their fears amidst the tumult and gunfire, working together to implement their plan.

As the crisis reaches its conclusion, Cole reflects on the events that have transpired, finding a glimmer of hope. With the return of coyotes to the area, he considers the possibility of natural balance being restored, signifying hope for the future.

The film concludes on a hopeful note, emphasizing the importance of maintaining balance within nature. Cole's invitation for the Bennetts to visit his ranch symbolizes the potential for recovery and understanding after an ecological crisis.