After giving this Eastern Cottontail family every opportunity to reunite with their mother, these babies were finally admitted to our wildlife hospital for care. They arrived hungry and dehydrated after their mother, for reasons unknown, did not return to the nest.
The good news is that these little ones are now thriving in care. They are growing quickly, becoming stronger every day, and are expected to be ready for release back into the wild later this summer.
Eastern Cottontail nests are often well hidden in lawns and gardens. Before mowing the lawn or starting yard work, take a few moments to look carefully for a nest. No one can raise wild babies better than their mother, so whenever possible, we do everything we can to reunite families or allow time for mom to return.
If you find a nest or have concerns about a baby cottontail, please call our wildlife hotline before intervening. A quick phone call can help ensure these tiny animals have the best chance of growing up in the wild.