Can You Move Wild Baby Rabbits? A Crucial Guide for Animal Lovers
Can you move wild baby rabbits? Generally, no, it’s best to leave them where they are. Moving them can significantly reduce their chances of survival.
Understanding Wild Baby Rabbit Behavior
Wild baby rabbits, particularly cottontails, have a unique survival strategy. Unlike many other baby animals, they are often left alone by their mothers for extended periods during the day. This isn’t neglect; it’s a deliberate tactic to avoid attracting predators. The mother rabbit only visits the nest twice a day – at dawn and dusk – to feed her young. This keeps the scent of her presence to a minimum, safeguarding the bunnies. The nest itself is usually a shallow depression in the ground, lined with fur and grass. It’s surprisingly well camouflaged.
Why Moving Them Is Usually a Bad Idea
Can you move wild baby rabbits? Moving them often interferes with this natural process. Taking them away from their nest, even with good intentions, can severely compromise their well-being.
- Separation from Mother: The most significant issue is severing the connection between the babies and their mother. She relies on the specific location of the nest to find them. Relocating the bunnies, even a short distance, can make it impossible for her to locate them again.
- Stress and Trauma: Handling wild animals, especially babies, causes immense stress. This stress can weaken their immune system and make them more susceptible to illness.
- Incorrect Care: Raising wild baby rabbits is incredibly challenging. They require a specific diet and environment that is difficult to replicate in captivity. Even with the best intentions, humans often fail to provide the necessary care, leading to malnourishment or other health problems.
- Dependence on Humans: If raised by humans, baby rabbits can become accustomed to being cared for, making them unable to survive in the wild.
When Moving Wild Baby Rabbits Might Be Necessary
There are, however, a few specific situations where intervention may be warranted. These situations should be considered carefully and, ideally, assessed by a qualified wildlife rehabilitator.
- Direct Danger: If the nest is in immediate danger, such as in a location being mowed, directly threatened by a dog, or is in an area with flooding.
- Obvious Injury or Illness: If a baby rabbit exhibits clear signs of injury (e.g., broken leg, open wound) or illness (e.g., lethargy, discharge), it may require professional help.
- Confirmed Orphaned: If you know the mother has been killed or injured and there is no possibility she will return to care for her young. This is difficult to confirm with absolute certainty, so observation from a distance is crucial before intervening.
Steps to Take If You MUST Move a Nest
If you find that you MUST move a nest, proceed with extreme caution:
- Assess the Situation: Determine if moving the nest is truly necessary. If possible, simply protect the nest in its current location (e.g., by placing a lightweight barrier around it).
- Move it as Short a Distance as Possible: If relocation is unavoidable, move the nest only a few feet away – just enough to remove it from the immediate danger.
- Recreate the Nest: Use the original nesting materials (fur, grass) to rebuild the nest in the new location.
- Minimize Contact: Wear gloves when handling the bunnies to avoid transferring your scent to them.
- Monitor the Nest: Observe the nest from a distance for several days to see if the mother returns to care for her young. Look for signs of feeding (e.g., plump bellies).
Contacting a Wildlife Rehabilitator
In any situation where you’re unsure about what to do, contacting a licensed wildlife rehabilitator is always the best course of action. They have the expertise to assess the situation and provide appropriate guidance. Do not attempt to treat or care for wild animals without professional guidance.
Table: Assessing Whether to Intervene
| Situation | Action |
|---|---|
| —————————————— | ————————————————————————————————————- |
| Nest undisturbed, babies appear healthy | Leave them alone. Observe from a distance. |
| Nest in immediate danger | Move nest a very short distance. Monitor for mother’s return. |
| Baby rabbit visibly injured or ill | Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator immediately. |
| Mother rabbit confirmed dead or injured | Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator immediately. |
| You are unsure what to do | Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for advice. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it okay to touch a wild baby rabbit?
Generally, it’s best to avoid touching wild baby rabbits. While the myth that the mother will abandon them because of your scent is largely untrue, minimizing contact reduces stress on the bunnies. Handling can also transfer diseases or parasites.
How can I tell if a baby rabbit is orphaned?
It’s difficult to determine definitively if a baby rabbit is orphaned. Observe the nest from a distance for 24-48 hours. If the babies appear thin, weak, or are consistently scattered from the nest, there may be cause for concern, and you should contact a wildlife rehabilitator.
What should I feed a baby rabbit if I find one?
Do not attempt to feed a wild baby rabbit unless instructed to do so by a wildlife rehabilitator. Feeding the wrong diet can cause serious health problems, even death. They require a specific formula and feeding schedule.
What do baby rabbits eat?
Baby rabbits primarily nurse on their mother’s milk. As they get older, they begin to nibble on grasses and other vegetation. Their diet is highly specialized, making it difficult to replicate in captivity.
How often does a mother rabbit feed her babies?
Mother rabbits only feed their babies twice a day – usually at dawn and dusk. This is a crucial adaptation to avoid attracting predators. Don’t assume the babies are abandoned just because you don’t see the mother present.
My dog brought me a baby rabbit. What should I do?
First, check the baby rabbit for injuries. Even if there are no visible wounds, internal injuries are possible. Contact a wildlife rehabilitator immediately for advice. They may recommend bringing the rabbit in for evaluation.
What does a healthy baby rabbit look like?
A healthy baby rabbit will be plump, alert, and have clear eyes. Their fur will be clean and well-groomed, and they will be relatively quiet. If the babies appear lethargic, thin, or have discharge from their eyes or nose, they may be ill.
What should I do if I accidentally disturbed a rabbit nest?
If you accidentally disturbed a rabbit nest, gently try to reconstruct it using the original nesting materials. Minimize your contact with the babies. Monitor the nest from a distance to see if the mother returns.
How old do baby rabbits have to be before they leave the nest?
Baby rabbits typically leave the nest at around 3-4 weeks old. At this age, they are still vulnerable but are able to survive on their own.
Can you move wild baby rabbits from my garden if I don’t want them there?
While it might be tempting to move them to prevent damage to your garden, it is generally discouraged. The best solution is to protect your garden with netting or fencing, leaving the rabbits undisturbed. Contact a wildlife rehabilitator for more humane removal options if this proves inadequate.
Will the mother rabbit come back if I move the nest a short distance?
If the nest is moved a very short distance (a few feet) and the mother can still locate it, she may return. However, the further the nest is moved, the less likely she is to find it.
Is it illegal to keep a wild baby rabbit as a pet?
In many jurisdictions, it is illegal to possess wild animals, including baby rabbits, without the proper permits. Keeping a wild animal as a pet is also generally detrimental to its well-being, as they have specific needs that are difficult to meet in captivity.