Rabbit
Found a rabbit?
Cottontail nests are shallow and easy to miss. A nest can look unattended even when the mother is returning at dawn and dusk.
If an animal is injured, orphaned, or displaced, contact licensed or permitted help before feeding or handling. Share what you are seeing so the animal can reach appropriate wildlife care.
Start here
Keep pets away and avoid hovering over the nest.
If the nest is intact, leave the babies covered with the original nesting material.
Mark the area gently so people do not step on it or mow over it.
Send photos and location details if you are unsure whether intervention is needed.
Do not do these while waiting for guidance
Do not feed milk, formula, vegetables, or water.
Do not remove healthy babies just because the mother is not visible.
Do not keep baby rabbits in a box while waiting to see what happens.
Why this matters
Healthy baby rabbits are often best left where their mother can find them. The biggest help is usually protecting the nest from people, pets, and equipment while you confirm whether care is needed.
Other situations to know
Does anything else apply here?
These situations can happen with any animal, including this one. Keep them in mind alongside the guidance above.
Found as an injured adult?
Adult wildlife can injure people when scared, even when they look weak. The best first step is distance, safety, photos, and a call to qualified help.
Do not attempt to capture adult wildlife unless instructed by a qualified person.
Do not grab, corner, chase, or throw a towel over it without guidance.
Take photos or video from a safe distance and share location, species, and visible injuries.
Hit by a vehicle?
Vehicle strikes can involve hidden injuries, traffic danger, and babies nearby. Stay safe first, then share exact location and visible details.
Do not step into traffic or block a roadway to reach the animal.
Call local emergency services or animal control when people or traffic are at risk.
Note the exact road, nearest cross street, and direction of travel.
Did tree work disturb a nest or den?
Tree trimming, removals, landscaping, and storm cleanup can expose nests or dens. Pausing work and getting guidance can prevent avoidable harm.
Stop work in the immediate area if it is safe to do so.
Keep equipment, pets, and foot traffic away from the babies or nest area.
Do not relocate babies to a random tree, box, or yard without guidance.