AboutEdward Expertise I am a wildlife rehabber in North America and can answer questions on many species, especially North and South American Species
Experience I have handreared many different types of animals, mainly raccoons, oppossums, raptors, songbirds, crows, deer, and bears. I also have worked in animal centers and zoos.
Organizations World Wildlife Fund, Conservation International.
Publications Ranger Rick Magazine
Education/Credentials Degree in zoology and wildlife biology.
Expert: Edward Date: 7/3/2008 Subject: baby rabbits
Question My mom found baby rabbits i our backyard this morning... she hasent seen the mother anywhere and we have dogs that we dot want to harm the babies... at the moment there is a rabbit sitting about 15 feet away from the nest and its been there for about 30 minutes... me and my mom are worried that the mother wont come back to the babies because our dogs stuck theyre noses inside the nest....is it normal for the mother to leave the rabbits for this long... (its 7 PM here)... if the mother doesnt go to the babies my mom is most likely going to take the bunnies in... i dont know wat to do... to leave it or not.... and if you think we should take them in what do we do...?
Answer Hello Al.
Is the rabbit sitting by the warren (hole) an adult or another baby? Mother rabbits do leave their young for long periods of time, but that long is questionable. You should never take wildlife out of the wild unless you are absolutely sure they require human interference. The mother may still be scared from the smell of the dogs. If the mother shows no signs of interest after close to a day, call a wildlife rehabber in the area and see what they say to do. I am not farmiliar with the rabbits in your area (i don't know what kind they are). If the rabbits end up needing to be taken in, give them to a rehabber, its difficult work to do it on yourself.
