Abstract Natal dispersal of European wild rabbits,Oryctolagus cuniculus, was studied in a 2-ha outdoor enclosure between 1988 and 1990. The rabbit population had been established in 1984 and by 1988 it was structured into nine territories. The enclosure conditions allowed detailed study of dispersal of individual juveniles from their natal territories. Eighty-eight per cent (first year) and 65% (second year) of juveniles that survived until the beginning of their first breeding season dispersed. Dispersers either moved into other pre-existing territories (68%), established previously unoccupied territories (21%), or became non-territorial satellites (11%). Dispersal was male-biased with 93% of juvenile males and 64% of juvenile females dispersing. Female dispersers most often moved to neighbouring territories whereas male dispersers moved further away. At the beginning of their first reproductive season females that remained on their natal territories produced significantly more offspring than those that dispersed. Natal dispersal occurred during the first 5 months of life. The first breeding occurred in the following spring. During the period when dispersal occurred, aggressive interactions were uncommon among juveniles or between adults and juveniles. During 87 30-min observation periods, only 15 aggressive interactions were counted, only one of which was initiated by a member of the natal territory. All possible 26 pairs of opposite-sex littermates occupied different territories at the beginning of their first breeding season. In conclusion, natal dispersal in wild rabbits was not caused by aggression. Animals left the natal site on their own volition and settled down where no close relatives were present.