Spring is coming and the signs are already starting to appear. That means lots of baby bunnies!!! Because I am known as the bunny expert to most of my family and friends, I am often called because people are worried that a rabbit's nest has been abandoned. Usually, that is not the case. Because the momma rabbit doesn't want to draw attention to her babies, she doesn't hang out at the nest during the day. She will feed them at dawn and dusk but otherwise, you will not ever see her.
Sometimes I get calls because people are concerned that a rabbit is frozen. It is very common for a stunned rabbit to freeze for a bit. This actually may prevent them from having a heart attack. Rabbits can scare easily. A rabbit that is used to noises would probably just run away. However, sounds like dog barks and lawn mowers can be very scary to rabbits who aren't used to them. If you find a rabbit that is frozen, it is best to leave it and keep an eye on it. However, if you need to move it for it's own safety, go ahead. It is a wive's tale that momma rabbits won't go near their young after a human has touched it.
So, what do you do if you find out that a rabbit's nest really IS abandoned? Maybe the mom was hit by a car or attacked... Call the professionals! Rescuing a wild rabbit is not easy. Even I wouldn't attempt it. It is actually illegal to keep wild animals unless you are a liscensed rehabliltator. Also, they require a lot more attention than most people could give. It is better to let the pros do their job. If you are concerned about a wild rabbit in the DFW area, you contact the DFW Wildlife Coalition. You can read more about wild bunnies here http://www.dfwwildlife.org/cottontail.html
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