Manitoba wildlife rescue says bunnies being brought in needlessly

Amy Wilkie from the Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre shares advice on how to identify if a bunny is in need of rescue.

A Manitoba wildlife rescue is close to capacity when it comes to baby bunnies; however, the organization says many are being brought in needlessly.

According to the Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre, Manitobans are finding wild rabbit nests in their yards, bringing them into the rescue, and separating healthy baby bunnies from their mothers.

The non-profit explained that though people have good intentions, they may not realize that mother rabbits do not stay with their nests during the day as a way to keep predators from spotting their babies. It added that mothers only visit their nests twice a day – at dawn and dusk.

“We always recommend that people give us a call before bringing an injured or sick or orphaned animal,” said Amy Wilkie, Wildlife Haven’s education program manager.

“Because if they can remain in the wild with their parents in nature, that’s where they should remain. They’re going to have the best chance of survival if they’re brought up by their parents in the wild.”

Wildlife Haven noted that just last week, a caring person brought in a litter of baby bunnies, assuming they were abandoned. However, when the rescue’s medical team examined the bunnies, they determined their stomachs were full of milk, which means their mom had been feeding them just hours before.

Going forward, if you find a nest of baby bunnies in your yard, Wildlife Haven asks that you just leave it alone. It adds to not move or relocate the babies because the mom chose that spot for a reason.

Wildlife Haven said the only time you should intervene is when the babies are visibly injured or cold; when you know for a fact the mother died; or when a domestic pet dug up the nest.

If you are unsure, you can call the rescue at 204-202-3806.