Eastern Cottontails reproduce throughout the spring and summer, typically starting in mid-March and nesting through mid-September. With spring officially here, it’s time to start keeping an eye out for baby bunnies and their nests!
Cottontails nest in shallow depressions on the ground (they do not burrow); nests are covered with soft grasses and are lined with tufts of the mother rabbit’s fur. Mother “doe” rabbits are very secretive, so they don’t draw attention to their nest; you will rarely see a mother rabbit coming and going. The doe feeds her young only twice a day — at dusk and dawn.
Preventing Injuries
While the Center's veterinary staff is equipped to treat injured cottontails, it’s important to note that these rabbits have a high mortality rate in captivity due to their sensitivity to stress. The best way to help cottontails this spring is by preventing injuries before they occur. Taking proactive steps can significantly reduce the need for intervention and improve their chances of survival.
Outdoor cats and lawnmowers are among the top reasons cottontails are admitted to the Center, with hundreds arriving each spring and summer.
Outdoor Cats: While cats are loved by many, outdoor cats pose a significant threat to native wildlife, particularly young rabbits. Since cottontails nest in shallow depressions on the ground, they are especially vulnerable to predators. Cats, being instinctive hunters, often find and kill cottontails in the nest. Even minor injuries from cat attacks frequently lead to death, as the resulting infections are usually severe and fatal. If you own free-roaming cats, we encourage you to consider transitioning them to an indoor-only lifestyle to help protect local wildlife and ensure the safety of young rabbits and other small animals.
Know Before You Mow: Before mowing your lawn, always check for rabbit nests; since rabbits have shallow nests, it’s easy to mow the "top" off of their nest, possibly injuring babies. Avoid mowing within 10 feet of a nest, and if you need to protect it from pets, place an upside-down laundry basket over the nest during the day. Be sure to remove the basket before dawn and dusk, so the mother can return and feed her babies.
If You Find A Baby Rabbit …
If you come across a young cottontail that you suspect needs help, it’s important to assess its condition carefully before taking action:
When to Seek Help
- The rabbit is bleeding, has a wound, or has a broken bone.
- It’s been in a cat's or dog’s mouth.
- It’s covered in fly eggs or looks sick.
- It’s cold, wet, or crying excessively.
If any of these apply, immediately contact a wildlife veterinarian or rehabilitator. Do not feed the rabbit or give it water. Never chase or try to capture a rabbit, as stress can be harmful, leading to a condition called capture myopathy, which can be fatal.
If NO, the next step is to identify its age to determine if intervention is needed.
Is the rabbit fully furred with its eyes open?
- If YES, if the rabbit is larger than a softball and weighs more than 4 ounces or 100 grams, it is on its own and does not need human intervention unless injured.
- If NO, attempt to locate the nest (a shallow depression on the ground possibly lined with rabbit fur and/or grass) and put the rabbit back.
You will not see a lot of activity at the nest; mother rabbits stay away to avoid leading predators to the nest. If you do suspect the nest is abandoned, lay four pieces of string or twigs in a tic-tac-toe pattern over the nest as straight as you possibly can. Leave the area and check back in 12 hours.
If the mother rabbit has returned to the nest to nurse her young, the string/twigs will be out of place. If the string/twigs are undisturbed, and the bunnies appear thin and weak, with wrinkled, baggy skin, the babies may be orphaned. The babies should be taken immediately to a state-permitted small mammal rehabilitator in your area.
