If it seems like you’re seeing rabbits everywhere these days, you’re not imagining it. Rabbit mating season usually ranges from March through September, so now’s the time when people come across nests of baby bunnies.
However typically those who find nests aren’t sure what to do. “We get these calls a fair bit,” says Gary Comer, a wildlife management manager at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife. Comer and his group use the following advice to assist baby bunnies have the best possibility at survival.
What Do Rabbits’ Nests Look Like?
Eastern cottontails, the most typical bunny types in the United States, develop shallow nests of grass and fur in grassy areas near bushes or trees and frequently right out in the open.
People may be shocked that a rabbit would construct a nest for her babies in the middle of a backyard, however it’s really pretty genius. Most predators won’t venture into an open area, so it’s quite safe.
The trouble is, even people with a keen eye don’t always see a nest up until they are on top of it. Nests appear like little piles of unpleasant yard amongst the regular yard or greenery. Sometimes adults discover a nest, however often kids or pets are the ones to discover the children.
Should I Move a Nest of Baby Rabbits?
If you’ve found a nest that’s been disturbed, take a peek at the infants. Unless the little bunnies are noticeably hurt (bleeding or nonfunctioning limbs, for instance) or obviously suffering, it’s best not to touch or move them, Comer encourages. Cover the nest and leave the infants alone.
Well-meaning people may presume a nest has actually been deserted since the mom bunny isn’t there, but that’s most likely not the case. Mom rabbits are smart and visit their nests just when absolutely needed to prevent accentuating it, Comer states. The mother is probably someplace close-by and will return when it’s time for the children’ feeding and grooming, typically in the morning and night.
And don’t panic if you or your child touches the bunnies. It’s a myth that a mom bunny (and many other wildlife mamas) will reject their children if they have a human aroma on them. Just cover the nest and do not touch the babies once again; dealing with the children can cause injury and stress.
What Can I Do to Help Baby Rabbits?
- Check your lawn before you trim your lawn. It’s common for people to discover nests while they’re doing yardwork.
- If you discover a nest, mark the area in some method so you understand where it is. Comer suggests a marker flag or small check in the ground near the nest.
- Comer also advises if you have curious pets or more youthful children, think about installing temporary plastic fencing around the nest. You can get this at your regional home improvement store. Simply make certain there are holes large enough for the mom bunny to come and go but little enough to keep family pets and kids out.
What Should I Do for an Injured Baby Rabbit?
If you inadvertently injure or find a hurt bunny, call a local wildlife rehabber for recommendations. The Humane Society of the United States provides a state-by-state listing of these wildlife specialists. If your dog or cat finds a nest and hurts several of the children, take your pet inside immediately till you can secure fencing or call a wildlife rehabber. If your animal understands where the nest is, he may return to it, possibly causing more harm to the infants.
How Long Will the Rabbits Stay in the Nest?
It will be appealing to check on your little pals, but the more you visit the nest, the more you draw attention to it. Leave it alone, and be patient. These children will not remain in the nest for long; in no greater than three weeks they’ll emerge to begin their adult lives.
Once they are “furred” and you see them hopping about on their own, the children are fine, Comer states. They may be small, but they will be self-dependent enough to survive on their own, so let them go about their bunny organisation.
And who understands? Among the infants you help protect may wind up making a nest of her own in your bunny-friendly lawn, too.
