Small rabbits should be rescued when...

• A. When the nest is in a busy area.
• B. They are injured or the mother is dead and they are still too young to survive on their own.
• C. When the parent is present.
• D. When you see a rabbit near a human.

Answer: (B)

Rabbits depend on their mother for warmth, milk, and protection during the early weeks, and intervention is appropriate only when the young cannot survive without maternal care. The best reason to rescue is when a rabbit is injured or when the mother is dead and the kits are too young to survive on their own. In that situation, there’s no parent to provide the care and nutrition they need, so human intervention becomes necessary to give them a chance.

If the mother is present, or if the young appear healthy and leave-taking behavior is normal, rescue is not indicated. Mothers may leave the nest to forage and can be away for hours; small rabbits found away from the nest may still be under their care. Likewise, a nest in a busy area or a rabbit seen near humans does not by itself require removal, since disrupting the nest or removing kits can do more harm than good.

If you ever encounter a situation where rescue seems necessary, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for guidance, and handle the animal as little as possible.