Let's say you're out in your yard doing some yard work and you happen to see a wild baby rabbit. You stand and take notice and watch it hop away, and like most people, you will follow it to see where it might go. Let's say the rabbit seems injured in some way and you don't know what to do for it. What should you do? Seek help first!
Wild rabbits often make their nests in areas that boggle our minds... sometimes right in the middle of your front or backyard. They are hiding in plain sight as often as they can to keep from predators that they naturally fear that would be too timid to enter those areas. They don't count on the family dog or cat also being a problem though.
The way that a mother rabbit cares for the babies limits her time in the nest, which further makes it less likely a predator will find the nest. So if you find a nest of baby rabbits, think twice before doing anything that requires that you touch the baby rabbits or disturb the nest. If you see one that is injured, DO NOT TOUCH it unless you have Wildlife Rehabilitation Permit (68A-9.006 in Florida) as it is illegal to handle a wild rabbit even if it's in your own yard. Contact either the Humane Society or the Wildlife Department in your area if you have a concern about a wild rabbit that might need assistance. If you happen to find a nest that has been disturbed, do all you can to restore and protect it rather than bring the baby rabbits inside. If a dog has discovered the nest, you can put a wheelbarrow over it, so that the mother can get to it but the dog can't.
Very young wild baby bunnies with eyes closed and ears back rarely survive in captivity, even given the most expert human care; I know this because I do it for a living and so it is very important to determine whether they really need help. If help isn't available in your area, try to assess whether the infants seem warm and healthy or cold, thin, and dehydrated. One test for dehydration is to gently pinch the loose skin at the back of the neck. If it stays in a "tent," the bunny is dehydrated and needs rehabilitation. Another test is to stroke the genital area to stimulate elimination. I know that sounds strange but it's necessary if you want to help the rabbit. If the pee is brown and gritty, the mother rabbit has not been there to help the bunnies urinate. The brown, gritty urine is toxic, and the infant bunny must be cared for ASAP! If there is no help in your area, you can call the National Wildlife Federation or even the World Wildlife Federation and they can get help to your area.
Happy Trails! #WildlifeWednesday
