You found a baby rabbit, now what?

Found a Baby Rabbit? Here's What You Should—and Shouldn’t—Do

During spring and summer, it's common to come across baby rabbits (also called kits or bunnies) nestled in the grass or seemingly alone. While your first instinct might be to rescue them, it's important to understand when these little creatures truly need help—and when leaving them alone is the best thing you can do.

Most “Alone” Baby Rabbits Are Not Abandoned

Eastern cottontail rabbits, the most common wild species in North America, often nest in shallow depressions in the ground, lined with fur and covered lightly with grass. These nests can be nearly invisible, which is why so many are discovered unexpectedly in yards, gardens, and parks.

Mother rabbits only visit their nests twice a day—usually at dawn and dusk—to avoid drawing predators to their babies. They nurse their young very quickly, then leave. So, even if you don’t see the mother nearby, she is likely still caring for them.

How to Tell If a Baby Rabbit Needs Help

Here are signs that a wild baby rabbit may truly need assistance:

• The nest has been destroyed (by a lawnmower, pet, or child).

• The baby is cold, injured, bleeding, or has been attacked by a cat or dog.

• The baby is out of the nest and wandering aimlessly, especially if it's smaller than 5 inches long, with closed eyes or no fur.

• The mother has been confirmed dead (e.g., found nearby or known to have been killed).

• Flies, maggots, or ants are present on the rabbit or in the nest.

If You Disturb a Nest Accidentally

If you accidentally uncover a rabbit nest and the babies appear healthy and uninjured:

• Gently place the babies back in the nest, covering it lightly with the original nesting material or dry grass. It is a myth that mom will abandon her young if she smalls a human on them.

• Keep pets and children away from the area.

• To check if the mother returns, place two small twigs in an "X" over the nest and check back in 24 hours. If the X has been disturbed, the mother likely returned to nurse. You can also use a ring of flour.

Never Attempt to Raise Wild Rabbits Yourself

Wild baby rabbits are not the same as domestic rabbits. They are extremely delicate, highly prone to stress (they can literally die of stress), and have specialized dietary and environmental needs that even experienced pet owners typically cannot provide. Hand-rearing baby wild rabbits without proper training leads to death.

More importantly, it is illegal in all states to possess, care for, or raise wildlife without a proper permit. This includes rabbits. Even with good intentions, unlicensed care is against the law and often results in poor outcomes for the animal.

Licensed wildlife rehabilitators are trained to care for orphaned or injured wildlife with the goal of releasing them back into the wild—where they belong.

What to Do if a Baby Rabbit Needs Help

• Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator immediately. This is a list of trusted rehabilitators.

• Do not attempt to feed the rabbit. Incorrect feeding can cause severe harm.

• Handle the rabbit as little as possible, and keep it warm and quiet until help arrives.