What is what to do when you find baby bunnies?

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What to Do If You Find Baby Bunnies

Finding a nest of baby bunnies can be concerning, but often the best thing to do is nothing. Here's a breakdown:

• Determine if They're Truly Abandoned: Mother rabbits only visit their nests a couple of times a day, typically at dawn and dusk, to avoid attracting predators. The babies might appear abandoned, but the mother is likely nearby.

• Check for Signs of Care: Look for these clues:

  • Are the babies plump and healthy-looking?
  • Is there bedding or fur in the nest?

• Perform the String Test: If you are unsure if the mother is returning. Lay two pieces of string in a cross pattern over the nest opening in the evening. The next morning, check to see if the strings have been disturbed. If so, the mother has returned.

• If the Bunnies Appear Injured or Distressed: This is where intervention might be necessary. Signs of distress include visible injuries, constant crying, weakness, or being covered in flies or insects. Contact a local wildlife rehabilitator immediately.

• If You've Already Touched Them: It's a myth that the mother rabbit will reject the babies if you touch them. The mother rabbit will not abandon her babies if they have been touched by humans. If you have handled the bunnies, simply return them to the nest.

• Re-nesting (If Necessary): If the nest has been disturbed, you can attempt to re-nest the babies.

  • Wear gloves to minimize scent transfer.
  • Place the bunnies back into the nest.
  • If the original nest is destroyed, create a makeshift nest using dried grass and fur in a shallow depression in the same general area.

• When Intervention is Crucial:

  • Cat or Dog Interaction: If a cat or dog has brought you a baby bunny, the bunny needs medical attention. Even if there are no visible wounds, internal injuries are possible. Seek a veterinarian or wildlife rehabilitator's assistance.
  • The baby bunny is visibly injured

• Orphaned Bunnies: If, after monitoring for 24 hours, the mother does not return and the bunnies are clearly orphaned, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Raising wild bunnies is extremely difficult and requires specialized knowledge and care.

Important Considerations:

• Keep Pets Away: Keep cats and dogs away from the nest area.
• Observe From a Distance: Avoid disturbing the nest by checking on it too frequently. Observe from inside your home.
• Legal Protections: Wild rabbits are often protected by law. It's illegal to keep them as pets without proper permits. Contacting a local game warden can help you understand local regulations.