* Mother's scent: When a mother rabbit is out of the nest, she avoids touching her kits directly to avoid leaving human scent on them. Putting the kits back in risks disrupting her scent pattern and discouraging her from returning to the nest.
* Disturbance: Frequent interference with the nest can stress the mother rabbit and lead to her abandoning the kits.
* Natural behavior: Baby rabbits spend some time outside the nest, especially as they get older. They're learning to explore and develop their independence.
What to do instead:
1. Observe: Watch from a distance to see if the mother rabbit is coming and going from the nest.
2. Leave them alone: If you're concerned about their safety (e.g., predators, extreme weather), gently move the entire nest to a safer location.
3. Contact a wildlife rehabilitator: If you suspect the mother is not returning or the kits are in danger, contact a local wildlife rehabilitation center for assistance.
Remember, mother rabbits are excellent caregivers. Unless there's a clear danger, it's best to allow nature to take its course.