Here's why:
* Vulnerability: Baby rabbits are incredibly vulnerable to predators and the elements. Leaving the nest would put them at significant risk.
* Nursing: The mother rabbit needs to nurse her kits frequently. Staying in the nest allows her to easily access them for feeding.
* Warmth: The nest provides a safe and warm environment for the kits, especially during cold weather.
However, there are a few exceptions:
* Moving the nest: If the original nest is compromised (e.g., discovered by predators), a mother rabbit might move her kits to a safer location.
* Short trips: The mother rabbit may briefly leave the nest to forage for food, but she will always return to her kits quickly.
In summary: Mother rabbits are devoted to their young and take great care to keep them safe in the nest.