PSA

This is an Eastern Cottontail (Syvilagus Floridanus) they are native to North American and most cottontails will look similar being Eastern or not. I’m writing this post in the hopes to educate a large amount of people at once since I’ve seen so many people finding them. Here’s a short list of tips to help so you don’t have a bunch of people yelling at you on the internet while you’re just trying to help.

1. If you see a baby Cottontail that’s not in any danger, you should leave it alone. The mother only returns once maybe twice a day to feed and some species of rabbits like the eastern Cottontail have their babies in the open rather than burrows.

2. If the rabbit is in danger such as from your cat or dog try to release it out of the perimeter. If it’s bad weather or construction work you can take it in but at that point the clock starts ticking. You need to get it to a wildlife rehabilitation center. Domestic animal shelters don’t normally take wildlife and if they do it’s rare. It’s just not their function and against a few rules. I operate as a permitted rehab in Florida.

3. Rabbits have one of the highest caloric milks among mammals so cows milk isn’t going to cut it. Kitten milk replacement with heavy cream works in a pinch but squirrel or rabbit milk replacement is the only real substitute. The rabbit needs milk for 2 months before it can sustain itself fully. I recommend Fox Valley.

4. The “mother won’t return because of your scent” is a myth, return the rabbit if you can. The mothers give much higher odds of survival because of the high calorie milk and the organic growth hormone she produces called Trans 2 Methyl 2 Butenal.

5. Some species of rabbit are endangered and legally can’t be handled by anyone other than professionals like Syvilagus Palustrus Hefneri.

6. Lastly thank you for caring enough to intervene. Lots of people are scared away before they get educated by rude commenters. I would rather educate. It is a delicate process to save a rabbit but very rewarding. I would love it if more people were educated on how to help. These animals support ecosystems all over the globe where there are c3 and c4 class grasses, but not enough people support them.

I hope this helps. If you have questions I’m always available to help.