Injured & Orphaned Rabbits
Please note: Tenafly Nature Center is not licensed to accept injured or orphaned wildlife.
An animal’s best chance for survival is in the care of its own mother.
If you must handle a wild animal, always wear protective gloves and place a towel or cloth over it to reduce stress. Use extreme caution, as wild animals may carry diseases or become defensive when frightened. Keep yourself, children, and pets at a safe distance, and contact your local animal control agency immediately if you suspect illness or injury.
in nest
Rabbit
Rabbits often build their nests right on the ground, sometimes in a shallow depression called a form, lined with grass or fur and lightly covered with leaves or twigs. Because these nests are well-camouflaged but easily disturbed, people and pets frequently uncover them by accident.
If you discover a nest, do not touch or move the babies. The mother rabbit is almost always nearby, quietly watching from a distance. To avoid attracting predators, she only visits the nest briefly at dawn and dusk to nurse her young.
If you have accidentally uncovered a nest, gently replace the nesting material and leave the area. The mother will not return while humans are present, but once it’s quiet, she will come back to care for her babies.
Please do not attempt to raise baby rabbits yourself. Wild rabbits are extremely sensitive to stress, and even brief handling or improper care can be fatal.
For additional information on wild rabbit behavior and care, visit the New Jersey House Rabbit Society.
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Before intervening, take a moment to determine whether the rabbits truly need help:
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Healthy, independent juveniles (about 4–5 inches long, eyes open, ears up, and able to hop) do not need assistance.
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Very young bunnies (eyes closed, little or no fur) still depend on their mother’s care.
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If you find a nest of baby rabbits, leave it undisturbed. The mother’s absence is normal, her visits are brief and infrequent to avoid drawing predators.
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If you find babies outside and far from a nest, try to locate it and return them. A rabbit nest is a small, shallow depression lined with grass and fur and covered lightly with vegetation.
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If the nest is damaged, recreate it using the existing materials, gently covering the babies with grass for warmth. The mother will return at dawn or dusk.
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If the mother does not return after a full day, or if you know she has been killed, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator immediately.
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An injured rabbit (bleeding, shivering, weak, or attacked by a pet or car) also requires professional care.
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If you’ve been instructed by a wildlife rehabilitator to bring a rabbit (or other wild animal) in for care:
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Prepare a secure container: Line a sturdy box or pet carrier with a soft towel or cloth.
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Protect yourself: Wear gloves, gently cover the rabbit with a towel, and lift it carefully. Even young rabbits can kick or scratch when frightened. Wash your hands and arms afterward.
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Keep the animal calm and warm: Cover the box to create a dark, quiet environment. Keep pets and children away.
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Do not feed or give water. Improper feeding can cause serious harm.
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Record the exact location where the animal was found. This is critical information for its eventual release.
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Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator right away. Do not attempt to care for the animal yourself, it is illegal to keep injured or orphaned wildlife without the proper permits and training.
The advice provided on this page is intended for general guidance and should be used at your own discretion. Wildlife laws and regulations may vary by county. Always verify local rules and consult a licensed wildlife rehabilitator before taking action.
Last Resort Wildlife Refuge
973-506-4353
West Milford
Wildlife Freedom Inc.
973-839-4597
Wanaque
Complete list of Wildlife Rehabilitators