Helping Wildlife – Rabbits

The Eastern cottontail rabbit (Sylvilagus floridanus) is the most widely distributed species in the U.S.; these animals nest in shallow depressions in the ground. The nest is usually lined with grass and the mother’s fur.  A female cottontail may have up to five litters each year from February through October.  They are born in litters of two to eight animals, hairless and helpless with their eyes closed.

A rabbit’s nest that is in an inconvenient place should be tolerated, if possible, for the short nesting period.  An infant Eastern cottontail is in the nest for approximately three weeks from birth to weaning.  A nest on a playground or ball field can be a rewarding educational experience for children, but should be marked and monitored by an adult. If the nest is in an area in which there are hazards that cannot be offset (e.g. floods, construction, etc.), the nest can be relocated a short distance, as a last resort.  Preferably, the nest should not be moved more than five feet every two days.

Many cottontail rabbits are presumed to be orphaned because the mother normally avoids the nest in daytime, feeding the young between dusk and dawn. The eyes open at one week and within three weeks they are weaned and totally independent. A small rabbit with its eyes open, ears standing up and approximately five inches long is self-sufficient and does not need your assistance.