160 Bear Christiana Rd
Bear, De 19701
302-322-6488
Dr. Jim Berg
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Rabbit Questions
Dear Dr. Berg,
I found a wild bunny in the middle of our lawn all by itself. Should I take it in and try to feed it? What should
I give it? Is it true that if I touch it that the mother won't return because my smell is on the fur?
R.C., Smyrna
Dear R.C.,
The best thing you can probably do for that little rabbit is to leave it alone in its nest. Even though it looks
helpless, most likely it is still being cared for by its mother. Mother rabbits leave their nests to feed themselves
most of the day, and return to nurse the baby rabbits only once or twice a day.
If you have already picked up the rabbit, please put it back. The smell of your hands will NOT keep the mother
from coming back. (If my son smells like a rabbit, I still hug him and give him lunch).
Many people are unaware that there are licensed wildlife rehabilitators in our area who are experts at the needs
of hurt or abandoned animals. One of them, Hillary Taylor, kindly sent me several information sheets about the
services that wildlife rehabilitators can offer.
Hillary emphatically states that we should "not keep wildlife as pets…a cuddly baby grows into a wild animal
as nature intended and it is against the law to keep them in your home." Hillary and the other wildlife rehabilitators
are trained to offer shelter, medicine, nourishment and nurturing for wild animals.
The service that these wildlife rehabilitators provide is free (they receive no funding from the state). They are
always very appreciative of donations, especially Gerber baby cereal and fruit, towels, wash cloths, pens, crates,
hutches, cages, carrier, fencing, heating pads, fireplace gloves (to handle the animals), kitty litter, pet food,
pet food coupons, or animal transportation. The next time you hold a garage sale, consider putting a few of these
items aside to help our wild animals in need.
Hillary offers the following tips if you find an orphaned animal: 1. Handle them as gently and as little as possible,
and keep them in a quiet dark place. 2. DO NOT use heating pads (these can burn or electrocute) but rather a 2-liter
plastic soda bottle filled with warm water and wrapped in a towel 3. Do not let children or other pets handle the
wild animals 4. Don't give any medicine to a wild animal. 5. DO NOT FEED THEM UNTIL YOU TALK TO A WILDLIFE REHABILITATOR.
A mother always does the best job of raising her own offspring, so if you can find the nest, RETURN THE ANIMAL
TO ITS OWN NEST. The mother will continue to care for the animal even though you have touched it. If you cannot
find the nest, or if the orphan is hurt, CALL A WILDLIFE REHABILITATOR.
Remember….we all share this beautiful planet together, and our wildlife neighbors cannot speak for themselves.
Please notice when they are in need, and help them get the care that they deserve.
Back to the Rabbit page
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