Bunny Sox said to harass fisherman

46th & Ulloa, San Francisco, Sunday August 3, 2008

Rumours began circulating earlier this week that a rabbit, known by locals as Bunny Sox, had become increasingly harassing to local fisherman. First spotted late in the afternoon on June 17th, Mr.Sox seemed to be a simple beach lounger who enjoyed watching as the fishermen cast their reels into the tides of Ocean Beach. Soon enough however, some fishermen became increasingly perplexed by Mr.Sox's consistent appearance on the beach and often, they say, staying for hours at a time simply sitting and "looking kinda creepy" as one fisherman was quoted saying.

"We just don't know why he keeps showing up like this, it affects my fishing having him staring at me all afternoon" one fisherman, who asked that his name not be published, told me. Three complaints have been submitted to police, but unless Mr.Sox makes advances or threatens any of the fisherman vocally or in writing, nothing can be done of this watcher.

Fishermen have been using Ocean Beach as a meeting place for decades, often casting several reels at one to ensure maximum fish catching capabilities. Many feel they have formed a community here, meeting at the same time each morning, passing off spots to those who come later i nthe afternoon, as the early risers head home. They feel it is a community of understanding and silence, where not many words need to be shared, where the catch of one fisherman is celebrated by all. The silence of Mr.Sox however has changed this community some feel, in a way that no one could have expected.

Mr. Angler, one local who has been fishing on Ocean Beach for over 10 years, having started when he bought a small house on 47th Ave. in his retirement to be in closer proximity to his favoured San Francisco fishing location shared his thoughts with me at low tide this past week; "Sure, we don't talk much, but we all fish. And sure we have people walking by all the time, but they don't sit and stare you know? At least not without asking questions about our lives, or what you are looking to catch, not without engaging with you. Sox however, he just sits there, never talking to any of us but just staring. There is something weird about that as far as I'm concerned."

No one seems to know where this will go, but Mr.Sox definitely has people keeping an eye on his watching habits. When asked for comments, Mr.Sox refused to answer questions.

Catherine Mellinger, freelance reporter for Making Your Day Sporadically reporting from San Francisco until early fall.