Eastern Cottontail
Sylvilagus floridanus
About
The Eastern Cottontail rabbit can be found in a variety of habitats. They rely on a steady diet of leafy greens, grasses, and twigs. Females give birth to multiple litters per season with an average of 5-8 kits per litter. Rabbit kits are independent between 3-4 weeks old and are approximately the size of a tennis ball when they leave the nest!
Rabbits are a major food source for many predators, which makes their strategy for raising their young different from other animals. Female cottontails typically create a nest in a depression in the ground, using dried grasses and fur pulled from their bellies to line the nest. The mother does not stay with the babies once they've been born - instead, she only visits twice a day to feed them briefly before leaving again. Her absence often leads to concerns that a nest is abandoned when it's not!
Found a rabbit nest?
In order to determine if a litter of rabbits has been abandoned, it is necessary to "test the nest"! Babies that are healthy and uninjured can successfully be reunited with their mother if certain steps are followed.
Is the nest okay to test?
the nest is in its original geographical location
the nest is dry and lined with rabbit fur
there are more than just one baby in the nest
the baby bunnies are all uninjured and alive
the babies do not have flies on or around them
If you answered YES to all prompts, this nest could be tested to see if the mother returns.
If you answered NO to any prompt, please contact us or another licensed rehabilitator for further advice.
Found a lone baby rabbit?
Occasionally, babies may be scattered from the nest before they are fully independent. If a baby appears otherwise healthy and the nest can be located, it may be able to be returned to the nest.
Do any of the following apply?
the baby has an obvious injury
the baby is dehydrated and/or very thin
the baby has been in the mouth of a dog or cat (even if it does not appear to be injured)
flies are swarming around the baby and/or it is covered in fly eggs, which look like tiny grains of white rice. Flystrike is most often seen around the face and under the tail.
the baby is cold, wet, and/or lethargic
the mother is confirmed dead
attempts have been made to reunite the baby with the mother and it has been more than 24-48 hours
If you answered YES to any of these prompts, call a licensed rehabilitator for advice.
If the answer to all prompts is NO, attempts should be made to reunite the baby with its mother. If you're not sure, call a rehabber.
