Napoleon’s Accidental Bunny Attack – When the Emperor Was Outwitted by Rabbits

He conquered Europe, redrew borders, and left an empire in his wake. But Napoleon Bonaparte—military genius, strategic mastermind, self-crowned Emperor of France—met his match not at Waterloo, but in a field swarming with rabbits.

Yes, rabbits.

In one of history’s most absurd and underrated moments, Napoleon planned a genteel hunting party and ended up fleeing from a horde of angry, overly friendly bunnies. It’s not just a fun anecdote. It’s a perfect slice of historical pie—equal parts ridiculous and delightful. So if you’ve ever asked, “Did Napoleon really get attacked by rabbits?”, buckle up.

What Was Napoleon’s Bunny Debacle All About?

Why Did Napoleon Organise a Rabbit Hunt?

In 1807, Napoleon had just signed the Treaty of Tilsit with Russia, putting a temporary pause on his relentless campaign across Europe. Spirits were high, and what better way to celebrate a diplomatic success than with an imperial-style rabbit hunt?

Napoleon instructed his Chief of Staff, Alexandre Berthier, to organise a grand outdoor shoot. The idea was simple: bring together a few of the Empire’s top brass, let them unwind, show off their marksmanship, and bask in the glow of Napoleon’s greatness.

This was supposed to be leisure, not legacy. Just a bunch of generals in waistcoats shooting at small mammals. What could possibly go wrong?

Where Did the Bunnies Come From?

Berthier, ever the enthusiastic planner, sourced the rabbits for the event. A lot of rabbits. Reports vary, but some sources claim anywhere from several hundred to over 3,000 were brought in. These weren’t wild rabbits either—they were domesticated ones, the kind used to being fed by humans, not dodging bullets.

The plan? Cage the bunnies, line them up, and release them gradually to give Napoleon and his companions a leisurely day of hunting. You can practically hear the violins and the polite clinking of brandy glasses.

Except the rabbits had other plans.

What Actually Happened During the Hunt?

Did the Rabbits Really Attack Napoleon?

Oh yes. The story goes that when the cages were opened, the rabbits didn’t scatter as expected. Instead, they charged. Not away. Toward Napoleon.

At first, it seemed amusing. Then it became alarming. Then it was just plain chaotic. The rabbits—mistaking the well-dressed generals for snack dispensers—swarmed the hunting party. Hundreds of floppy-eared aggressors launched an adorable but relentless assault.

Witnesses described rabbits climbing boots, swarming coats, and even jumping onto Napoleon’s legs. The Emperor of France tried to shoo them away. That didn’t work. His men waved sticks. That didn’t help either.

Eventually, Napoleon and his entourage retreated. In a carriage. Fleeing from rabbits.

How Did Napoleon React to the Great Rabbit Attack?

We can only speculate, but sources suggest he was not amused. Napoleon was famously sensitive to public mockery. Being chased from a field by a fluff-based uprising wouldn’t have played well with his carefully curated image of imperial dominance.

Luckily for him, this incident remained relatively obscure for years. No paintings. No engravings. Just whispered chuckles in the background of European salons.

Today, though, in the age of meme culture and ironic history blogs, it’s enjoying a richly deserved second life.

Why Did the Rabbits Charge?

Here’s the thing: domesticated rabbits associate humans with food. Instead of darting into the bushes, they saw an all-you-can-eat buffet of tall Frenchmen in silk sashes. If you’ve ever shaken a treat bag near a pet rabbit, you’ll know the look. Multiply that by a few hundred and you’ve got an adorable stampede.

Berthier, in his eagerness to please, had essentially created a rabbit petting zoo and then expected them to perform like wild game. This is what happens when you plan a hunting party with farm-raised animals and forget that they think you’re bringing carrots, not chaos.

Did the Bunny Attack Have Any Lasting Impact?

Not politically, no. Napoleon went on to fight more wars, redraw more maps, and eventually lose spectacularly at Waterloo. But the bunny incident lives on as a perfect reminder that even the greatest military minds can be brought low by underestimating fluffy mammals.

It also showcases the very human need to manage appearances. This wasn’t just a hunt—it was a performance. A show of control, of dominion over nature and, symbolically, over the Empire. So naturally, being trampled by rabbits wasn’t quite on-brand.

Why Do We Still Love This Story?

Because it’s perfect. It punctures the myth of Napoleon as untouchable. It reminds us that even history’s biggest egos had bad days—somewhere between the burning of Moscow and the Continental System, there was a man running from rabbits in a field.

It also resonates because it’s just so visually absurd. The juxtaposition of military pomp and fluffy panic is the kind of historical contradiction that sticks. It’s hard to forget once you’ve pictured it.

And let’s be honest—there’s something satisfying about a story where rabbits win.

Has This Story Been Verified?

While no primary sources from Napoleon himself confirm the incident, accounts from his contemporaries and later historians agree on the core facts. The event is mentioned in several memoirs and military anecdotes from the period.

Historians like David Chandler and Andrew Roberts reference it in their works, usually with a grin. While some details might be exaggerated (3,000 rabbits does feel a tad theatrical), the bunny blitz seems to have happened, at least in some form.

Could Napoleon Have Turned the Rabbits Into an Army?

Now that would have been a twist. Imagine the Grande Armée, flanked by battalions of bunnies. Silent, fast, and capable of distracting any enemy force with their overwhelming cuteness.

But alas, Napoleon never weaponised the rabbit horde. Possibly for the best.