05/16/2025
You found a bunny nest in your yard… and your dog’s already sniffing around. What now?
Take a breath. Don’t panic. Don’t scoop the babies up.
And here’s the part that might surprise you:
That mama rabbit chose your yard on purpose.
Yes, even with your dog around.
Why would she do that?
Because the smell of a dog can actually help keep away wild predators like foxes and coyotes.
To her, your yard feels like the safest option she had.
And while it might feel like a problem, this is actually one of the most common and most fixable situations we see.
Here’s the good news:
Baby bunnies are only in the nest for 2-3 weeks. That’s it. A couple of weeks of extra care, and they’ll be grown and gone.
And yes, you can still use your yard during that time! It just takes a few small steps. (Check out our laundry basket method in the infographic, we promise it’s easy!)
Here’s what you can do to keep everyone safe:
✔️ Keep your dog on a leash when outside
✔️ Cover the nest while your dog is out—try a laundry basket, a lawn chair, or any lightweight barrier
✔️ If you leave the cover on longer, cut two small holes so mom can come and go
✔️ Weigh it down with a few bricks or heavy rocks so it stays put
✔️ Remove full covers (the kind without holes) at dawn and dusk so mom can feed her babies
Once the babies open their eyes, they’ll start to wiggle around a bit, that’s normal! They’re almost ready to head out into the world.
We know it can be inconvenient, but please don’t ask us to remove the nest. We’re here for animals that truly need help, those who are injured or orphaned.
If you need help setting something up or you’re unsure what to do, reach out. We’re always here to walk you through it.
You’ve got this. And those tiny wild babies? They’re counting on you more than you know.
Thanks for caring. Thanks for showing up.
Let’s protect wildlife, one backyard at a time.
