04/12/2026
When Your Dog Finds a Bunny Nest… What to Do (From Someone Who’s Been There)
This happened to me once in my own backyard, and I wish I knew this then…
Every spring this comes up, and I get it—it looks like the babies are alone.
But baby bunnies are **almost never abandoned**.
Mama cottontails stay away **on purpose**.
She comes back briefly (usually dawn and dusk), feeds them, and leaves again to keep predators away.
So if you don’t see her… that’s actually exactly what should be happening.
Now add dogs into the mix—and this is where it gets tricky.
**If your dog finds a nest:**
– Call your dog away (do your best, I know it’s not always perfect)
– Get them **inside or on leash right away**
– Do **not** remove the babies
– Mark the area so you don’t lose track of it
**Protecting the nest (realistically):**
– Laundry baskets can help, but some dogs will knock them over
– Better options:
– Basket/bin/crate **weighed down with a rock or brick**
– Create a quick **barrier with chairs, planters, anything sturdy**
– Goal: keep dogs out, let mom get in and out
**If a baby is in your dog’s mouth:**
– Stay calm (no yelling or chasing)
– Use “drop it” or gently take it
– Most dogs will release if you stay steady
**Once you have the baby:**
– If alive, place it **back in the nest**
– If you can’t find the nest, place it nearby in grass
– Keep pets completely away
– Contact a wildlife rehabber if there was contact (even small injuries matter)
And just to clear up another worry…
Touching a baby does **not** make the mom abandon it.
What causes problems is too much handling or injuries—not your scent.
**Going forward:**
– Leash or supervised potty breaks in that area
– Quick yard scan before letting dogs out
– Temporary restriction is worth it
I know the instinct is to jump in and “save” them. I’ve felt that too.
But with baby bunnies, doing less—and keeping dogs away—is usually what actually saves them 🤍
