04/15/2026
Please leave the bunnies alone! If they are injured please call the ODNR- 800-945-3543
LEAVE THEM BE!!
It's the time of year that our wildlife hospital starts getting calls regarding rabbit nests. Unfortunately, rabbit moms sometimes place their nests in areas that are not ideal. In addition, many times the mom will not find a nest if it is moved. The best option is to leave the babies in the nest where they were found so that mom and continue to raise them until they are independent.
Eastern cottontail babies are left alone for most of the day with mom only spending time at the nest to feed them around dawn and dusk. Many finders are concerned they are abandoned, but most of the time this is not the case! If the babies are not looking emaciated, dehydrated, covered in insects, or lethargic then there is no cause for concern. Steps can be taken to determine if they are truly abandoned. To do so, place a few pieces of twine or lightweight twigs over the nest in a tic-tac-toe pattern & leave the area for 24 hours. If the twine has been moved after 24 hours then mom has come back to feed the babies. If not, please call your local wildlife rehabilitator for help! Also, if the babies are the size of a tennis ball or larger, eyes open, & ears up, they are actually independent & do not need mom's care anymore! While they may still utilize the nest for shelter, they are old enough to care for themselves.
Eastern cottontail babies are EXTREMELY high stress, therefore keeping them with mom, if possible, is even more important! Stress can be lethal to rabbits, so minimal human interaction is critical. The stress of rehabilitation is worth it if babies are truly orphaned, but babies should not be removed from a mothers care unless the finder is sure that mom is gone. Hand-feeding of babies should not be attempted, as their digestive systems are very sensitive and require specialized formula which is not found in stores. NEVER feed baby rabbits kitten milk! If a baby is truly orphaned, ALWAYS take it to a wildlife rehabilitator for care.
Please give Cedar Run a call at 856-983-3329 x107, or your closest rehabilitator, a call to discuss ways to live harmoniously with a rabbit nest in your yard, even if you have dogs. We are happy to provide advice to give these babies the best chance possible at a happy and healthy life!
