Welcome to In the Back Yard where we have small thoughts about living alongside wildlife. Just a reminder upfront:
Most wildlife does not need rescuing.
Yet baby season comes around and hundreds of baby animals are kidnapped in the mistaken view that they are in trouble.
Today we look at what to do if you find a baby rabbit.
As already discussed in a previous episode – rabbits nest in shallow depressions in the ground.
It is easy to mow over them – so maybe get in the habit of casting your eye over the lawn before mowing.
Mothers leave their babies and only return dawn and dusk.
So chances are – the babies, if you see them, are absolutely fine.
Baby rabbits are also independent when they have all their fur and are about 4 inches long.
Signs that a baby rabbit needs help:
- Open wounds or bleeding
- Caught in a cat or dog’s mouth
- Infested with fly eggs – looks like grains of rice
- Cold, weak or crying constantly