What to Do With a Found Rabbit

If you live near the woods or frequent parks you may run into a seemingly lost rabbit and not know what to do. If the rabbit is very young or injured, your first instinct may be to pick up the rabbit and take it home, but that is rarely the wisest choice. Depending on the rabbit̵7;s condition and the area in which you found it, there are many different ways to handle the situation.

  1. Leave It Be

    • Most rabbits, especially young rabbits, should be left alone. If you find a nest of baby rabbits and don̵7;t see a parent, don̵7;t worry: Most of the time adult rabbits hide near their nests when seeming threats approach. They will return when you leave. Mother rabbits also spend a lot of their time away from their nests to keep it safe from local predators. If the rabbits are healthy, leave them alone. If you see an adult rabbit that is uninjured and is old enough to keep its eyes open, it is capable of caring for itself.

    Wildlife Rehabilitator

    • If you find a rabbit that is injured or obviously orphaned, your best option is to call a wildlife rehabilitator or wildlife veterinarian. You can get listings for local wildlife rehabilitators from your neighborhood humane society, animal control officer or possibly a pet store. Wildlife rehabilitators are trained to care for wild animals safely and effectively and will often re-release healthy wild animals or adopt them out to good homes.

    Rescue

    • Keep the rabbit warm and hydrated if you must remove the wild rabbit from a dangerous situation, find a baby rabbit out of its nest or must care for the rabbit until you can meet with a wildlife rehabilitator. If the rabbit is injured, don̵7;t pick it up unless it̵7;s necessary. If you must move it, wrap it in a towel or blanket and carefully remove it until you can meet with a wildlife rehabilitator. If you find a baby rabbit, wrap it in a warm towel and provide it with water to keep it hydrated. Search for its nest if the rabbit is healthy. If you find the nest, place the baby back in the nest and leave it alone. If you can̵7;t find its nest, place it, still wrapped in a blanket, in a shallow box and wait for its mother to come for it. If the mother never comes, call a wildlife rehabilitator.

    Precautions

    • Always be careful with wild animals and never touch them unless necessary. Rabbits are skittish and will often thrash in your arms. Be careful of the rabbit̵7;s back legs, as they are very strong and can cause serious injury if they cut or kick you. They can also cause serious spine injuries to themselves, especially if you drop them. Hold the rabbit firmly and carefully, with one hand behind its head and your arm across its shoulders and the other hand and arm supporting its rump and hind legs. It is often calming for a rabbit if you let it bury its head in the crook of your arm. Do not let the rabbit jump from your arms or it can break its legs.