Wild Animals/wild rabbits

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Expert: Dana Krempels, Ph.D. - 6/6/2007


Question
recently our dog has had 2 baby rabbits in her mouth over the course of two days. We saved the second one and started walking around the yard, looking for its family. We found 3 other baby rabbits under a piece of plywood that was proped up. we looked for a mother but only found a small hole that we think was their home. Around the hole we found grey hair strewn all over.We dont know wether the mom is dead or not but what should we do now?  

Answer
Dear Ryan

From the description of the nest, I'm guessing you're in the U.K. or Europe.  If that's the case, then the fur around the hole is probably the remnants of the nest that mama has shoved out of the hole when the babies left the nest.  Keep an eye on the babies, and the dog out of the yard for the time being.  The mama is very likely nearby, as mother rabbits feed only a couple of times a day, then stay away from the nest so as to avoid attracting predators.

I have an instruction sheet for wild cottontails, which is what we have in the U.S., but the basic information should be pretty similar for wild European rabbits.  If the babies start to look cold, shrunken, and wobbly, you might need to give them help.  But otherwise, let Nature take its course.

Here are some helpful articles:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/wildbabies.pdf

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/orphan.html

I hope you won't need them.

Good luck,

Dana

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Dana Krempels, Ph.D.

Expertise

I'm an evolutionary biologist with a passion for animals. Ask about natural history, behavior, ecology, evolution. PLEASE NOTE:

If you have found an "orphaned" or injured wild animal or bird:
Please don't waste time asking questions on the internet, as the answers may come too late. DO NOT FEED THE ANIMAL, and DO NOT HANDLE IT unless it is in imminent danger. (Many wild "orphans" are not orphans at all!) If you are absolutely sure it is orphaned, keep it warm and quiet, and find a LICENSED WILDLIFE REHABILITATOR HERE. Don't try to raise a baby yourself, or rehabilitate an injured anmal. Many a well-intentioned rescuer will do more harm than good, especially with baby birds and baby rabbits.

I.D. OF MYSTERY ANIMALS
Without geographic location, time of day and habitat, I can't help. A clear picture is always best.

I.D. OF MYSTERY ANIMAL SOUNDS
It's impossible for me to I.D. an animal call without hearing it myself.

COMPARATIVE STRENGTHS
I'm not an expert on comparative strengths of different animals (more complicated than you might think!) nor bite forces.

FIGHTING ANIMALS
I refuse to answer "Which of these two animals--X or X--would win in a fight?".

These hypothetical matchups range from impossible (Grizzly Bears and Gorillas don't even occupy the same continent.) to ridiculous (Someone asked me "Who would win a fight between a Great White Shark and a tiger?").

The vast majority of animals--even the fierce and powerful--are not as warlike as Homo sapiens, and it's childish to project our aggressiveness onto them.

Experience

I have been the fortunate caregiver to a group of Black-tailed Jackrabbits rescued from the Miami International Airport, and not releasable in this area because they are not native. I also have rehabbed and released Eastern Cottontails, and am in contact with many very experienced wildlife rescuers who regularly handle injured or orphaned rabbits and hares.

Organizations
House Rabbit Society

Publications
Exotic DVM journal

Education/Credentials
I have a Ph.D. in Biology, with main areas of expertise in evolutionary biology, genetics, botany, and ecology.

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