ASSESS THE SITUATION

Is it truly orphaned?

• Mother rabbits only visit their nests briefly at dawn and dusk, most often between 7-10pm.
  If the nest is undisturbed and the babies appear warm, quiet, and well-fed (round bellies), they are likely being cared for.

Is it injured or in distress?

• Signs of injury include visible wounds, blood, limping, or lethargy.

• If the cottontail is cold, weak, or was visited by predators, it may need intervention.

WHAT TO DO NEXT

For Injured Cottontails

• Handle with care: Use a soft cloth or gloves to gently place the bunny in a clean, secure box lined with a t-shirt, sweatshirt or blanket. Set half of the box on top of a heating pad set to low. If you do not have a heating pad use a rice sock or hot water bottle warmed in the microwave in the box with the babies. Be sure there is fabric between the heat source and the baby to prevent burns. Babies and injured or compromised animals cannot thermoregulate and need an additional heat source, so this is very important.

• Keep warm, dark and quiet. Minimize handling. Place the box in a dark, quiet area away from pets, children, and loud noises.

• Do not offer food or water: Rabbits have delicate systems, and improper feeding can cause harm.

For Orphaned Cottontails

• If bunny with eyes closed is found outside of nest, it means something pulled it out and it likely needs help. Cat saliva is extremely toxic to them so if a cat touches them, even if there are no obvious injuries, they need a rehabber and antibiotics. Dogs will often cause internal injuries so if they have been pawed at or caught by a dog, they need to be examined by a rehabber to assess injuries. 

• If babies eyes are open, they may be at the age where they are venturing out if the nest (around 2- 2.5 weeks old), but not fully weaned from Mom until approx. 4 weeks old. Many people think these little babies are "orphaned", and mistakenly kidnap them. 

• Moms will not abandon their babies. If babies are not being cared for, mom has either been killed or she is being prevented from getting to the babies. The best way to tell if babies are being fed is to look at their bellies in the early evening, then again first thing the next morning. Belly should be full and round.

• ***If not sure, text us at 972-388-6986 and send a description of the situation with pictures. We can help you determine if intervention is needed.***

• Re-nest if possible: If the bunny is uninjured and the nest is intact, return it to the nest and monitor from a distance.

• Avoid prolonged handling: Stress can be fatal to wild rabbits.

• If you are unsure whether the mother is returning or if the nest is damaged, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for advice.

CONTACT A LICENSED WILDLIFE REHABILITATOR

• Injured or orphaned cottontails require specialized care to survive. Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for help.

• Provide the rehabilitator with all relevant details, such as the bunny’s condition, location, and circumstances of the find.

WHAT NOT TO DO

• Do not try to care for the cottontail yourself: Wild rabbits are extremely fragile, and improper care can lead to fatal stress or illness.

• Do not keep the bunny as a pet: This is illegal in Texas and harmful to the rabbit.

BY ACTING QUICKLY AND RESPONSIBLY, YOU CAN HELP ENSURE THE BEST POSSIBLE OUTCOME FOR THE COTTONTAIL.