Found A Rabbit?
Finding a baby rabbit alone is rarely cause for alarm – mother rabbits only visit their nest a few times a day to avoid attracting predators. An empty nest is not an abandoned nest.
Our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
If the rabbit is injured or in immediate danger, please call right away.
Step-by-Step Guide
What to Do When You Find a Baby Rabbit
Baby rabbits are one of the most commonly “rescued” animals that didn’t actually need rescuing. Before you do anything, take a breath — the steps below will help you figure out whether mom is still around, and what to do if she’s not.
Quick Steps to Help
A gentle, careful response gives young rabbits the best chance to survive. Assess the situation first — then follow the right path below.
Leave it alone — mom is on her way.
If the nest is intact and the babies appear healthy, the mother is almost certainly still caring for them. She visits only at dawn and dusk to avoid drawing predators in — her absence during the day is completely normal.
- Do not touch or move the babies. Human scent won't cause rejection, but handling causes stress and can harm fragile young rabbits.
- Keep pets well away. Dogs and cats are the leading cause of rabbit nest disturbance — keep them out of the area entirely.
- Avoid yard work near the nest. Mowing, digging, or foot traffic near the nest can cause the mother to abandon it.
- Mark the location. Place a small, unobtrusive marker nearby so you — and others — don't accidentally disturb it.
- Monitor from a distance. Babies leave the nest on their own in just 3–4 weeks. Give them the space to do so safely.
Nest destroyed or touched by a pet? Call us.
If the nest has been dug up, scattered, or a rabbit has been in a cat or dog's mouth — even briefly — it needs attention. Cat saliva in particular can cause fatal infection within hours, even without visible wounds.
- Assess each rabbit. Are any cold, visibly injured, bleeding, or unresponsive? Those need immediate care. Separate them gently using gloves or a cloth.
- Rebuild the nest if possible. If the nest was scattered but babies appear unharmed, carefully gather the original nesting material and reassemble it as close to the original spot as possible. Place the babies back in.
- Any pet contact — call us regardless. Even a rabbit that looks fine after being mouthed by a cat or dog needs to be seen. Do not wait for symptoms.
- Contain injured or cold rabbits. Place in a small box lined with a soft cloth in a warm, quiet area. See warming guide →
- Call us immediately. Do not offer food or water.
Did You Know
Quick Rabbit Facts
🪹 Nests Are Well Hidden
Rabbit nests are often shallow and hidden in grass or landscaping, making them easy to overlook.
🐰 Babies Grow Quickly
Young rabbits grow fast and leave the nest in just a few weeks once they can survive on their own.
👃 Human Scent Won’t Cause Rejection
A mother rabbit will usually return even if human scent is nearby, but handling should still be avoided to reduce stress.
🤫 Quiet Is Their Best Defense
Baby rabbits rely on staying still and hidden to stay safe. Disturbing the nest can put them at risk.
Your compassion makes healing possible
Every rescue and second chance begins with caring people like you. Your support helps provide medical care, safe rehabilitation, and the time wildlife needs to heal and return to the wild where they belong.
Together, we can protect and care for the wildlife that shares our community.