If baby cottontails are found in the yard and have their eyes open and ears up, leave them alone unless they are injured.   They are exploring their surroundings and grazing on the local grasses. Cottontails return to the nest for protection and/or a feeding from the mother when necessary.  If the size of a softball they are  old enough to be on their own, but may return to the nest for protection.   These rabbits are very high stress and do poorly in captivity.  Remember, they are prey and to them you are a predator.

For further assistance call our hotline at 804-598-8380.

Steps to follow if you should need to rescue:

Step 1:  Keep  warm.  Place baby in a covered container (with air holes) with a soft cloth that will not snag or has any strings on a heating pad set low or other source of heat.  You can use dry rice in a sock, tied at the top. Microwave it for 45 seconds, and then place under bedding of baby.  Keep checking the temperature to be sure it stays warm (not hot).  Make sure the animal is not directly against the heat.

Step 2:  Check for fly eggs.  These may look like sawdust or clumps of white/yellow dirt.  Remove these as quickly as possible.  If they hatch they can cause further injury and possibly death.

Step 3:  Do not feed any milk or baby formula.  Animals are lactose intolerant.  Regular milk will cause severe digestive problems.  There is special animal milk replacers used for their needs.  After baby is warmed, you can offer warm Pedialyte or diluted Gatorade as a hydration fluid by a syringe or dropper.

Step 4:  Injuries, cat or dog attacks.  Babies that have injuries or have been around cats or dogs will need antibiotics within the first eight hours to prevent infections from bacteria.  Call our hotline 804-598-8380 to locate a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.  The baby's best chance of survival is to be taken to a wildlife rehabilitor as soon as possible.

Thank you for your support !