* Nest Location: Rabbit mothers choose carefully concealed nests, often in dense vegetation or under bushes, making them harder for predators to find. They may also use abandoned burrows or create their own.
* Limited Scent: To avoid attracting predators, rabbit mothers rarely stay with their young and only visit them to feed and groom them. They also minimize their own scent in the nest by using leaves and grass for bedding.
* Camouflage: Baby rabbits are born with a coat that blends seamlessly with their surroundings, making them difficult to spot. They also stay still and quiet, relying on their camouflage to remain undetected.
* Abandonment: If a predator is discovered near the nest, the mother rabbit may abandon the kits temporarily to avoid drawing attention. They will return later when the coast is clear.
* Large Litters: By having large litters, rabbits increase the odds that some kits will survive, even if a predator finds and attacks the nest.
It's important to remember that rabbits are highly vulnerable to predators like foxes, coyotes, hawks, and snakes. Despite their strategies, many baby rabbits don't survive.
It's also important to avoid disturbing wild rabbit nests. Even if you find one, it's best to leave it alone and give the mother rabbit a chance to care for her young.